Lost Child

James A. Janda

Cover of Lost Child

Lost Child

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

A Folktake

by James A. Janda

Illustrated by Christopher L. Fay

Reading Level 4-5 Gentle (Lvl 1) Ages 9-12 Balanced Read

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 gentle with no concerning themes.

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About This Book

Jesus, at just four years old, gets lost in the busy streets of Jerusalem—but instead of panic, he finds peace and falls asleep, trusting that God is watching over him. This story shows courage and faith in the most unexpected moments, reminding us that even when we're alone, we're never truly lost.

Themes

Religious - ChristianFaithTrustFamilyFolktale

Quick Assessment

This middle-grade retelling of a traditional New Mexican folktale presents a young Jesus who becomes separated from his family in Jerusalem. It offers a gentle introduction to Christian themes of faith and trust, suitable for children aged 9-12. The story emphasizes spiritual reassurance without any frightening content, making it appropriate for young readers exploring religious fiction.

For Parents

Content Intensity

Level 1 — Gentle
Gentle Mild Moderate Intense Very Intense

No conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Safe for sensitive readers.

Data confidence: standard

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

Reading Insights

Hook Factor

1/10

A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.

Discussion Potential

1/10

A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

Vocabulary Level
4
Emotional Weight
2
Theme Richness
5
World Scope
1
Data Confidence
7

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Details

ISBN
9780613757522
Publisher
Turtleback
Published
June 1998
Type
Fiction

Subjects

Legends, Myths, & FablesOtherReligiousChristian