Lost in Lexicon
Pendred Noyce
Lost in Lexicon
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
an adventure in words and numbers
by Pendred Noyce
The text is written at a 7th 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
Raindrops tap a secret rhythm as Ivan and Daphne dash through the misty streets, their hearts pounding with every step. Suddenly, they slip through a shimmering veil into a world where words float, numbers dance, and the air buzzes with magic. But mystery and danger swirl around them as they search for the missing children lost to strange, glowing lights — and every moment feels heavier than the last.
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fantasy follows thirteen-year-old cousins Ivan and Daphne as they embark on a magical treasure hunt in a world where language and numbers come alive. Suitable for ages 9-12, the story combines imaginative world-building with themes of problem-solving, family, and adventure. Parents should note mild peril and fantasy elements as the children face challenges like kidnapping and enchantments in their quest to rescue missing kids.
Why we rated Lost in Lexicon 12ME
Lost in Lexicon is written at a Level 7 reading level across 359 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 8.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Lost in Lexicon works for readers up to grade 9.0.
We rate Lost in Lexicon as 12ME ("Moderate — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Moderate" range — moderate conflict that may involve loss, scary scenes, or interpersonal stakes. The strongest signals come from emotional weight, physical peril — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the moderate intensity score.
Thematically, Lost in Lexicon explores adventure, fantasy world-building, family, friendship, and science & nature — 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, fantasy world-building, family.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers who get easily upset by emotional or moderately dark scenes — the conflict here is real, not just background flavor.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
12ME — Moderate — EmotionalReal stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.
Was our "Moderate" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
2/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780984525003
- Pages
- 359
- Publisher
- Tumblehome Press
- Published
- 2010
- Type
- Fiction