Emily Windsnap and the falls of Forgotten Island
Liz Kessler
Emily Windsnap and the falls of Forgotten Island
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Liz Kessler
Illustrated by Farley, Erin, illustrator
The text is written at a 7th 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
Emily Windsnap isn't just any mermaid—she's at the center of an ancient prophecy that could change everything under the sea. When a mysterious island appears, secrets bubble up that only she can uncover, and the fate of her world hangs in the balance.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fantasy novel follows Emily Windsnap as she embarks on an adventurous vacation that quickly turns into a quest tied to an ancient prophecy. Suitable for ages 9-12, the story blends friendship, mythology, and magical discovery with gentle themes and illustrations, making it an engaging and age-appropriate read.
Why we rated Emily Windsnap and the falls of Forgotten Island 12LE
Emily Windsnap and the falls of Forgotten Island is written at a Level 7 reading level across 305 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 8.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Emily Windsnap and the falls of Forgotten Island works for readers up to grade 9.0.
We rate Emily Windsnap and the falls of Forgotten Island as 12LE ("Light — Emotional") 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, Emily Windsnap and the falls of Forgotten Island explores mermaids, friendship, adventure, fantasy world-building, and mythology — 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.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about mermaids, friendship, adventure.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers whose emotional readiness lags behind their decoding skills — this book's intensity outruns its reading level, a classic "gifted kid" mismatch.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
12LE — Light — EmotionalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
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
- 9780763695743
- Pages
- 305
- Publisher
- Candlewick Press
- Published
- 2018
- Type
- Fiction