Foundation

Isaac Asimov

Cover of Foundation

Foundation

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Isaac Asimov

Foundation · Book 1

Reading Level 7 12MT Ages 13+ Balanced Read

The text is written at a 7th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for teens (ages 13+), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.

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About This Book

What if one person could predict the future and try to save an entire galaxy from collapse? Hari Seldon has invented psychohistory, a science that sees the fall of a mighty empire and the chaos to come. But can his secret plan, the Foundation, really protect humanity from thirty thousand years of darkness?

Themes

Science & NatureAdventureScience FictionHigh TechPhilosophyFuture Society

Quick Assessment

Foundation by Isaac Asimov is a science fiction novel suitable for teens aged 13 and up. It explores complex themes like societal collapse, the power of knowledge, and the role of individuals in shaping history. The story contains strategic conflicts and futuristic concepts but avoids graphic violence or mature content, making it appropriate for young adult readers interested in high-tech and philosophical sci-fi.

For Parents

Content Intensity

12MT — Moderate — Thematic
Emotional
Light
Physical
Light
Social
Light
Thematic
Moderate ←

Light conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.

Data confidence: standard

Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?

Reading Insights

Hook Factor

5/10

Engaging read with solid pacing and interesting themes.

Discussion Potential

1/10

A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

Vocabulary Level
6
Emotional Weight
4
Theme Richness
6
World Scope
1
Data Confidence
7

What's Next in Foundation?

Cover of Foundation and empire
Book 2: Foundation and empire
Level 611IT

Content escalates from Mild to Moderate

View full Foundation reading order

More in the Foundation Series

Foundation and empire

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Foundation and empire

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Level 6 Moderate

Second foundation

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Cover of Second foundation

Second foundation

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Level 6 Moderate

Foundation's edge

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Cover of Foundation's edge

Foundation's edge

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Level 8 Moderate

Foundation and Earth

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Cover of Foundation and Earth

Foundation and Earth

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Level 5-6 Mild

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Details

Book Length

320 pages
ISBN
9780553293357
Pages
320
Publisher
National Geographic Books
Published
October 1, 1991
Type
Fiction

Genres

Fiction

Subjects

Science FictionSeriesHigh TechPsychohistoryOpen Library Staff PicksLife on Other PlanetsLong Now Manual for CivilizationProphecyHistoriansRobotsAmerican LiteratureAmerican Fantasy FictionVie ExtraterrestreRomans, NouvellesPsychohistoirePsychological FictionAmerican Science FictionHari Seldon

People

Hari Seldon (Fictitious character)Hober Mallow (Fictitious character)Salvor Hardin (Fictitious character)