I survived the destruction of Pompeii, AD 79

Lauren Tarshis

Cover of I survived the destruction of Pompeii, AD 79

I survived the destruction of Pompeii, AD 79

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Lauren Tarshis

I Survived · Book 10

Reading Level 4-5 9ME Ages 9-12 Matched

The text is written at a 4th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content has moderate intensity with some emotionally heavy themes.

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About This Book

What would you do if a mountain suddenly erupted, covering everything in ash and fire? Imagine running through the streets of ancient Pompeii as the sky darkens and danger closes in. Could one brave boy find a way to survive the terrifying destruction?

Themes

AdventureHistoricalSurvivalComing of Age

Quick Assessment

This historical fiction novel follows a young boy's harrowing experience during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in A.D. 79. Suitable for ages 9-12, it offers an engaging glimpse into ancient history while addressing themes of survival and courage. The story contains scenes of natural disaster and peril but is appropriate for middle-grade readers.

For Parents

Content Intensity

9ME — Moderate — Emotional
Emotional
Moderate ←
Physical
Moderate
Social
Clear
Thematic
Light

Real stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.

Data confidence: high

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

Reading Insights

Hook Factor

5/10

Engaging read with solid pacing and interesting themes.

Discussion Potential

4/10

Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

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

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Level 510LE

Content is lighter — Mild vs this book's Moderate

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Details

Book Length

95 pages
ISBN
9780545459396
Pages
95
Publisher
Scholastic Incorporated
Published
2014
Type
Fiction
Lexile
700L

Genres

Juvenile Fiction

Subjects

Social Life and CustomsEruption, 79Time TravelEruption of Vesuviusfastfst01353034SurvivalVolcanic EruptionsAdventure and AdventurersVolcanoesPompeii