Dust

Arthur G. Slade

Cover of Dust

Dust

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Arthur G. Slade

Reading Level 4-5 9ME Ages 13+ Matched

The text is written at a 4th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for teens (ages 13+), 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

The dry wind carries the sharp scent of dust and promises of rain, but something feels wrong. Eleven-year-old Robert watches as a stranger arrives, dazzling the town with strange tricks while children start vanishing without a trace. The dusty fields hold secrets that only Robert can uncover, but what will he find when the truth comes to light?

Quick Assessment

Set in a 1930s Saskatchewan dust bowl town, this young adult novel blends elements of fantasy and science fiction as it follows eleven-year-old Robert, who faces mysterious disappearances in his community linked to a stranger promising rain. The story explores themes of hope, fear, and courage in challenging times, suitable for readers ages 13 and up. Parents should note the atmospheric tension and themes of missing children, though the story remains appropriate for its target age group.

For Parents

Content Intensity

9ME — Moderate — Emotional
Emotional
Moderate
Physical
Light
Social
Light
Thematic
Moderate

Real stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.

Data confidence: standard

Was our "Moderate" content intensity rating accurate for this book?

Reading Insights

Hook Factor

2/10

A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.

Discussion Potential

4/10

Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

Vocabulary Level
4
Emotional Weight
6
Theme Richness
4
World Scope
9
Data Confidence
7

Similar Books

Based on content and theme analysis

See all books like this →

Details

Book Length

183 pages
ISBN
9781417620722
Pages
183
Publisher
Turtleback
Published
October 2004
Type
Fiction

Genres

Subjects

Science Fiction, Fantasy, & MagicYoung Adult FictionDepressionsMissing ChildrenDust Bowl Era, 1931-1939SupernaturalDroughtsEscrocsEnfants DisparusGreat Depression, 1929-1939Romans, Nouvelles, Etc. Pour La JeunessePapillonsHistorical FictionSécheressesVie À La Ferme

Places

CanadaSaskatchewan