Reviewed by HootRated editorial · Last updated
Found
Margaret Peterson Haddix
Found
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Margaret Peterson Haddix
Missing
The text is written at a 5th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is intense and may include graphic or distressing scenes.
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About This Book
Jonah, who has always known he was adopted, and his friend Chip receive strange letters warning them they are 'missing' children caught in a dangerous secret. Together with Jonah's sister Katherine, they unravel a thrilling mystery involving mysterious disappearances, hidden enemies, and impossible choices. As they face threats that challenge their courage and trust, the kids must decide their own fate in a world filled with peril and secrets.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This is a Level 5 book with intense content intensity. Content themes include child abuse, domestic violence, sexual assault mention. Written for readers ages 9-12.
Why we rated Found 10IP
Found is written at a Level 5 reading level with a Lexile measure of 750L across 320 pages (approximately 59,017 words). Strong independent readers around grade 6.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Found works for readers up to grade 7.0.
Read aloud, Found runs about 6.6 hours — long enough to span several bedtime sessions.
We rate Found as 10IP ("Intense — Physical") because the content sits in the "Intense" range — intense conflict including peril, frightening scenes, or emotionally heavy themes. The strongest signals come from physical peril — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Child Abuse, Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault Mention, Physical Danger, Torture, Excessive Gore, Restraint, Eye Mutilation.
Thematically, Found explores adventure, family, science & nature, action & 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.
- ✓ Readers who like a steady plot with enough momentum to keep pages turning.
- ✓ Readers ready to talk through themes after they finish — there's enough substance for a meaningful conversation.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about adventure, family, science & nature.
- ✓ Readers (and parents) who care about award-recognized writing — Found carries an award.
Maybe not for
- ! Sensitive readers who get overwhelmed by intense conflict or scary scenes.
- ! Children younger than 9-12 — the content intensity is above what most younger kids can process comfortably.
- ! Children who are sensitive to violence, even when handled at age-appropriate levels.
For Parents
Content Intensity
10IP — Intense — PhysicalHeavy themes explored in depth. War, death, abuse addressed directly.
Content Flags
Was our "Intense" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
6/10Engaging read with solid pacing and interesting themes.
Discussion Potential
4/10Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781416954170
- Pages
- 320
- Publisher
- Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing
- Published
- April 22, 2008
- Type
- Fiction
- Word Count
- 59,017
- Lexile
- 750L
- Read-Aloud
- ~6h 33m
- Text Density
- Standard