High on the energy bridge
Eric K. Goodman
High on the energy bridge
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
A Novel
by Eric K. Goodman
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 mild with minimal sensitive material.
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About This Book
What happens when a boy discovers a hidden world connecting energy, family, and his Kansas farm? Imagine walking the bridge between ancient traditions and modern challenges, all while unraveling secrets about your own mother and heritage. Can he find the strength to face what lies ahead?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fiction explores the relationship between a mother and her son against the backdrop of Kansas farming life and Jewish cultural identity. It thoughtfully addresses themes of family, heritage, and self-discovery appropriate for ages 9-12. The story contains no intense content, making it suitable for readers interested in emotional growth and cultural connection.
Why we rated High on the energy bridge 11LN
High on the energy bridge is written at a Level 6 reading level across 253 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, High on the energy bridge works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate High on the energy bridge as 11LN ("Light — Neutral") because the content sits in the "Mild" range — mild conflict — the kind a child encounters in normal play and sibling life. Across our four dimensions (emotional, physical, social, thematic) the book reads as evenly mild; no single dimension stands out as a concern.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Emotional: Identity & Self-Discovery.
Thematically, High on the energy bridge explores family, coming of age, multicultural, and farm life — 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.
- ✓ Readers ready to talk through themes after they finish — there's enough substance for a meaningful conversation.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about family, coming of age, multicultural.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11LN — Light — NeutralLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Content Flags
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
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
- 0030471664
- Pages
- 253
- Publisher
- Holt McDougal
- Published
- 1980
- Type
- Fiction