Lost in Death Valley
Connie Goldsmith
Lost in Death Valley
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
The True Story of Four Families in California's Gold Rush
by Connie Goldsmith
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.
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About This Book
The sun blazes down as dust swirls around your feet. You’re part of a brave group heading west, chasing dreams of gold and new beginnings. Suddenly, the ground shakes beneath you—what’s coming next?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fiction book follows four families as they journey through the harsh desert in search of gold and a better life during America’s frontier days. It explores themes of survival, teamwork, and pioneer spirit suitable for readers ages 9 to 12. The story depicts challenges of desert travel but avoids intense or graphic content.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9LP — Light — PhysicalLight 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
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0761319158
- Pages
- 144
- Publisher
- Millbrook Press
- Published
- 2001
- Type
- Nonfiction