Dust to eat

Michael L. Cooper

Cover of Dust to eat

Dust to eat

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

Drought and Depression in the 1930's

by Michael L. Cooper

Reading Level 7-8 Moderate (Lvl 3) Ages 9-12 Balanced Read Rich Discussion

The text is written at a 7th 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

Set during the harsh years of the Dust Bowl and Great Depression, this story follows families forced to leave their homes and journey west along Route 66 in search of a better life. Readers experience the challenges and hopes of those facing drought, dust storms, and economic hardship in a powerful tale of resilience. Historical details and photos bring this tough era vividly to life.

Quick Assessment

This is a Level 7-8 book with moderate content intensity. Content themes include loss & grief, poverty & hardship, physical danger. 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

Loss & Grief Poverty & Hardship Physical Danger Historical
Data confidence: standard

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

Reading Insights

Hook Factor

4/10

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
6
Emotional Weight
6
Narrative Pace
7
Theme Richness
8
World Scope
10
Data Confidence
8

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Details

Book Length

81 pages
7,960 words
53m read-aloud
ISBN
0618154493
Pages
81
Publisher
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Published
2004
Type
Nonfiction
Word Count
7,960
Read-Aloud
~53 min
Text Density
Light Text

Genres

Subjects

Depressions1929United StatesDroughtsGreat Plains20th CenturyDust StormsMigrant LaborCaliforniaNew Deal, 1933-19391919-19331933-1945LaborUnited States, History, 1919-1933United States, History, 1933-1945

Places

United StatesGreat PlainsCalifornia