From land and sea
Taylor, Frank J.
From land and sea
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
The Story of Castle & Cooke of Hawaii
by Taylor, Frank J.
The text is written at a 6th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is gentle with no concerning themes.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
Have you ever wondered what life was like in Hawaii long ago when castles and big companies ruled the land and sea? Imagine the bustling islands where history and industry collide, shaping the future in ways no one expected. What secrets lie beneath the waves and behind the castle walls?
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade historical fiction explores the impact of the Castle and Cooke company and the development of industries in Hawaii. Suitable for readers aged 9-12, it offers insights into Hawaiian history through an engaging narrative. Parents should note the book provides a thoughtful look at economic and cultural changes in the islands without intense content.
Why we rated From land and sea 11LT
From land and sea is written at a Level 6 reading level across 288 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, From land and sea works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate From land and sea as 11LT ("Light — Thematic") because the content sits in the "Gentle" range — no conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Across our four dimensions (emotional, physical, social, thematic) the book reads as evenly gentle; no single dimension stands out as a concern.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the gentle intensity score.
Thematically, From land and sea explores historical, adventure, and family — 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, family.
- ✓ Curious kids who prefer real-world topics over made-up stories.
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
11LT — Light — ThematicNo conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Safe for sensitive readers.
Was our "Gentle" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
2/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Hawaii
Dennis B. Fradin
Hawaii
Dennis B. Fradin
Hawaii (From Sea to Shining Sea (Paperback))
Dennis B. Fradin
Hawaii (From Sea to Shining Sea (Paperback))
Dennis B. Fradin
Land and Sea
Michael Green
Land and Sea
Michael Green
Hawaii, the Pacific State
Ann Rayson
Hawaii, the Pacific State
Ann Rayson
Hawaii
Jill Foran
Hawaii
Jill Foran
On land and sea.
William Henry Thomes
On land and sea.
William Henry Thomes
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780877010814
- Pages
- 288
- Publisher
- San Francisco : Chronicle Books
- Published
- 1976
- Type
- Nonfiction