Dust from old bones

Sandra Forrester

Cover of Dust from old bones

Dust from old bones

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Sandra Forrester

Reading Level 5-6 Moderate (Lvl 3) Ages 9-12 Matched Rich Discussion

The text is written at a 5th 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.

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About This Book

Thirteen-year-old Simone shares her thoughts and experiences growing up in Louisiana before the Civil War, revealing the complexities of race and identity in a world divided by color. Her diary offers a personal glimpse into the struggles and hopes of a young girl caught between two cultures. Journey through history as Simone navigates a society marked by unique social rules and challenges.

Quick Assessment

This is a Level 5-6 book with moderate content intensity. Content themes include racial discrimination, identity & self-discovery. Written for readers ages 9-12.

For Parents

Content Intensity

Level 3 — Moderate
Gentle Mild Moderate Intense Very Intense

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

Content Flags

Racial Discrimination Identity & Self-Discovery
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

7/10

Rich themes that spark meaningful family conversation. Great for book clubs and read-alouds.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

Vocabulary Level
4
Emotional Weight
6
Narrative Pace
5
Theme Richness
7
World Scope
3
Data Confidence
6

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Details

Book Length

164 pages
30,058 words
3h 20m read-aloud
ISBN
0688162029
Pages
164
Publisher
Morrow Junior Books
Published
1999
Type
Fiction
Word Count
30,058
Read-Aloud
~3h 20m
Text Density
Standard

Subjects

Race RelationsRacially Mixed PeopleAfrican AmericansDiariesNew OrleansSheep

Places

New Orleans (La.)