Finder, coal mine dog
Alison Hart
Finder, coal mine dog
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Alison Hart
Illustrated by Montgomery, Michael, 1952- illustrator
The text is written at a 4th 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
Finder isn’t just any dog—he’s a coal mine hero who braves fiery tunnels to save lives. When the mine catches fire, Thomas and his loyal dog face danger like never before. Their courage could change everything, but will they make it out alive?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This historical fiction novel follows a boy and his dog as they navigate the dangers of the 1909 Cherry Mine disaster. Suitable for ages 9-12, it offers a gripping look at early 20th-century mining life while exploring themes of bravery, friendship, and survival. Parents should be aware of tense scenes involving fire and peril underground, handled in an age-appropriate manner.
Why we rated Finder, coal mine dog 9ME
Finder, coal mine dog is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 176 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Finder, coal mine dog works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Finder, coal mine dog as 9ME ("Moderate — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Moderate" range — moderate conflict that may involve loss, scary scenes, or interpersonal stakes. The strongest signals come from emotional weight, physical peril — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the moderate intensity score.
Thematically, Finder, coal mine dog explores historical, adventure, friendship, animals, and survival — 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 historical, adventure, friendship.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers who get easily upset by emotional or moderately dark scenes — the conflict here is real, not just background flavor.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9ME — Moderate — EmotionalReal stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.
Was our "Moderate" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
2/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781561458608
- Pages
- 176
- Publisher
- Holiday House
- Published
- 2015
- Type
- Fiction