Found

Name: Found
Author: Margaret Peterson Haddix
ISBN: 9781416954170

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Margaret Peterson Haddix

Missing

Reading Level 5 IP · Intense · Physical Ages 9-12 Heads Up

A Junior Library Guild selection

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. Its HootRating code, IP, means intense content, mostly physical.

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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

Adventure Family Science & NatureAction & AdventureMystery Adoption & Foster Care

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 IP (Intense)

Found is written at a Level 5 reading level across 320 pages (approximately 59,017 words). Reading-wise, most kids in grade 6 and up can manage Found on their own.

Read aloud, Found runs about 6.6 hours — long enough to span several bedtime sessions.

We rate Found as IP (Intense, mostly 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 — 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

IP · Intense · Physical

Emotional

Gentle

Physical

Intense ←

Social

Gentle

Thematic

Gentle

Reading the HootRating code: the first letter is the content intensity (C = Gentle · L = Mild · M = Moderate · I = Intense · V = Very Intense); the second, when there is one, is the kind of content that drives it (E = Emotional · P = Physical · S = Social · T = Thematic). Reading level and age range are rated separately. How we rate

Heavy themes explored in depth. War, death, abuse addressed directly.