Last of the leatherbacks
D. J. Brazier
Last of the leatherbacks
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by D. J. Brazier
The text is written at a 4th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be the last of your kind? Imagine hatching on a sandy beach, then braving the vast ocean to find a mate and protect your future. But when danger looms, will help come in time to save this brave leatherback turtle?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade novel follows the journey of an endangered leatherback turtle as she hatches, searches for a mate, and struggles to survive long enough to return to her birthplace to lay eggs. The story highlights themes of wildlife conservation and resilience, complemented by detailed charcoal illustrations. Suitable for ages 9-12, it offers an engaging introduction to endangered species and the importance of protecting nature.
Why we rated Last of the leatherbacks 9LE
Last of the leatherbacks is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 117 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Last of the leatherbacks works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Last of the leatherbacks as 9LE ("Light — Emotional") 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.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the mild intensity score.
Thematically, Last of the leatherbacks explores adventure, science & nature, friendship, survival, and endangered species — 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 adventure, science & nature, friendship.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9LE — Light — EmotionalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
2/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Leatherback Turtles (The Untamed World)
E. Melanie Watt
Leatherback Turtles (The Untamed World)
E. Melanie Watt
Leatherback Sea Turtles
Rebecca E. Hirsch
Leatherback Sea Turtles
Rebecca E. Hirsch
Last Days of the Dinosaurs
Matthew Rake
Last Days of the Dinosaurs
Matthew Rake
The last of the dinosaurs
Dougal Dixon
The last of the dinosaurs
Dougal Dixon
Last of the Dinosaurs
Thom Holmes
Last of the Dinosaurs
Thom Holmes
Leatherback Blues
Karen Hood-Caddy
Leatherback Blues
Karen Hood-Caddy
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781905237692
- Pages
- 117
- Publisher
- Troubador Publishing Ltd
- Published
- 2007
- Type
- Fiction