Deadman anchor
K. R. Coleman
Deadman anchor
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by K. R. Coleman
The text is written at a 4th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content has moderate intensity with some emotionally heavy themes.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
I’m going to tell you a secret about a mountain that’s not like any other—it might be cursed. Kendal thinks a spring break climbing trip with her dad will be fun, but the mountain has other plans. What starts as a chance to connect could turn into a fight to survive, but that’s only the beginning.
Quick Assessment
Deadman Anchor follows Kendal on a spring break mountain-climbing trip with her father, where a mysterious curse turns their adventure into a dangerous test of survival and family bonds. Suitable for middle-grade readers aged 9-12, the story explores themes of family connection and facing fears, with light peril related to mountaineering. Parents should note the presence of suspense and mild danger but no graphic content.
Why we rated Deadman anchor 9ME
Deadman anchor is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 100 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Deadman anchor works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Deadman anchor as 9ME ("Moderate — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Moderate" range — moderate conflict that may involve loss, scary scenes, or interpersonal stakes. The strongest signals come from emotional weight, physical peril — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the moderate intensity score.
Thematically, Deadman anchor explores adventure, family, mountaineering, and juvenile fiction — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 9-12 range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about adventure, family, mountaineering.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers who get easily upset by emotional or moderately dark scenes — the conflict here is real, not just background flavor.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9ME — Moderate — EmotionalReal stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.
Was our "Moderate" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
2/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Dead boy
Laurel Gale
Dead boy
Laurel Gale
Dead man's hand
Jordan Cray
Dead man's hand
Jordan Cray
Dead Man in Indian Creek
Mary Downing Hahn
Dead Man in Indian Creek
Mary Downing Hahn
Dead End
M. C. Sumner
Dead End
M. C. Sumner
Mountaineering Adventures (Dangerous Adventures)
Matt Doeden
Mountaineering Adventures (Dangerous Adventures)
Matt Doeden
Deadfall
Jane MacLean
Deadfall
Jane MacLean
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781512413267
- Pages
- 100
- Publisher
- Lerner Publishing Group
- Published
- 2016
- Type
- Fiction