Lost in Yellowstone, 1872-1873
Deanna Neil
Lost in Yellowstone, 1872-1873
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Deanna Neil
The text is written at a 7th 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
James Clifton isn’t just exploring Yellowstone—he’s on a mission to find his missing sister in the wildest wilderness of 1872! Facing mysterious outlaws and giant geysers, every step could bring him closer to Alice or lead him deeper into danger. This adventure proves that courage can change history.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This historical fiction novel follows thirteen-year-old James Clifton as he joins the 1872 Hayden Expedition to search for his missing sister in Yellowstone National Park. The story combines thrilling adventure with factual history, making it suitable for ages 9-12. Parents should know that while the book includes some peril and themes of loss, it is appropriate for middle-grade readers and encourages an interest in environmental history.
Why we rated Lost in Yellowstone, 1872-1873 12LE
Lost in Yellowstone, 1872-1873 is written at a Level 7 reading level across 305 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 8.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Lost in Yellowstone, 1872-1873 works for readers up to grade 9.0.
We rate Lost in Yellowstone, 1872-1873 as 12LE ("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, Lost in Yellowstone, 1872-1873 explores adventure, historical, family, lost children, and friendship — 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, historical, family.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers whose emotional readiness lags behind their decoding skills — this book's intensity outruns its reading level, a classic "gifted kid" mismatch.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
12LE — 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
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780979880018
- Pages
- 305
- Publisher
- Ecoseekers
- Published
- 2009
- Type
- Fiction