I Survived the Dust Bowl, 1935 (I Survived #25)

Lauren Tarshis

Cover of I Survived the Dust Bowl, 1935 (I Survived #25)

I Survived the Dust Bowl, 1935 (I Survived #25)

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Lauren Tarshis

I Survived

Reading Level 4-5 Moderate (Lvl 3) Ages 9-12 Matched Rich Discussion

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

Caught in one of the fiercest dust storms in American history, an eleven-year-old boy faces desperate challenges as he fights to protect his family and friends from the harsh Dust Bowl of the 1930s. Journey through a time of swirling dust, struggling farms, and the courage it takes to survive when the land itself seems against you. This gripping tale captures the struggle and hope amid a devastating environmental disaster.

Quick Assessment

This is a Level 4-5 book with moderate content intensity. Content themes include physical danger, illness & injury, poverty & hardship. Written for readers ages 9-12.

For Parents

Content Intensity

Level 3 — Moderate
Gentle Mild Moderate Intense Very Intense

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

Content Flags

Physical Danger Illness & Injury Poverty & Hardship Fear & Anxiety
Data confidence: standard

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

Reading Insights

Hook Factor

6/10

Engaging read with solid pacing and interesting themes.

Discussion Potential

7/10

Rich themes that spark meaningful family conversation. Great for book clubs and read-alouds.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

Vocabulary Level
4
Emotional Weight
6
Narrative Pace
7
Theme Richness
9
World Scope
1
Data Confidence
7

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Details

Book Length

144 pages
16,648 words
1h 51m read-aloud
ISBN
9781338891829
Pages
144
Publisher
Scholastic Incorporated
Published
2025
Type
Fiction
Word Count
16,648
Read-Aloud
~1h 51m
Text Density
Light Text

Genres