Dunc Breaks the Record
Gary Paulsen
Dunc Breaks the Record
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Gary Paulsen
The text is written at a 3rd grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for younger children (ages 5–8), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.
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About This Book
The crisp rush of wind whistles past as Dunc and Amos soar high, their hang glider slicing through the sky. Suddenly, the world tilts, and they land deep in the wild woods, where the scent of pine fills the air and every rustle could mean adventure—or danger. When a mysterious wild man appears, their survival skills are put to the ultimate test, stirring courage they never knew they had.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This early reader adventure follows two best friends who survive a hang gliding crash in the wilderness, facing challenges like survival without proper tools and an encounter with a wild man who captures them. Suitable for ages 5-8, the story introduces themes of wilderness survival and friendship under pressure, with mild peril but no graphic content. Parents should note the kidnapping element, which is handled in a kid-appropriate manner.
Why we rated Dunc Breaks the Record 8LP
Dunc Breaks the Record is written at a Level 3 reading level across 61 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 4.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Dunc Breaks the Record works for readers up to grade 5.0.
We rate Dunc Breaks the Record as 8LP ("Light — Physical") because the content sits in the "Mild" range — mild conflict — the kind a child encounters in normal play and sibling life. Across our four dimensions (emotional, physical, social, thematic) the book reads as evenly mild; no single dimension stands out as a concern.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Mild Peril, Kidnapping.
Thematically, Dunc Breaks the Record explores friendship, adventure, and wilderness survival — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 5-8 range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about friendship, adventure, wilderness survival.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
8LP — Light — PhysicalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Content Flags
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
2/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9789995156626
- Pages
- 61
- Publisher
- Yearling
- Published
- November 1992
- Type
- Fiction