Earthfasts
William Mayne
Earthfasts
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by William Mayne
The text is written at a 4th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.
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About This Book
This story proves that history isn’t just about dusty old books—it can drum its way into today’s world! A mysterious drummer boy from two centuries ago appears, connecting past and present in ways no one expected. His secret might just change everything you thought you knew about time.
Quick Assessment
Earthfasts is a middle-grade science fiction novel that weaves historical elements with an intriguing time-linking mystery. Suitable for ages 9-12, it explores themes of history and adventure without intense content, making it a thoughtful yet accessible read. Parents should note that it involves some supernatural elements tied to a historical figure but contains no graphic or mature material.
Why we rated Earthfasts 9LT
Earthfasts is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 168 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Earthfasts works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Earthfasts as 9LT ("Light — Thematic") 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.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the mild intensity score.
Thematically, Earthfasts explores science & nature, historical, adventure, and mystery — 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.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about science & nature, historical, adventure.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers looking for something heavier — this is a gentle, low-stakes story by design.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9LT — Light — ThematicLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
3/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780525290087
- Pages
- 168
- Publisher
- Dutton Adult
- Published
- 1967
- Type
- Fiction