Lost on a Mountain in Maine
Donn Fendler
Lost on a Mountain in Maine
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Donn Fendler
The text is written at a 4th 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
Donn Fendler disappeared into the foggy mountains of Maine and survived nearly two weeks alone with nothing but his courage. Facing rainstorms, wild bears, and his own fears, he shows what it really means to be brave. This is no ordinary adventure—it's a true story of survival that will stick with you.
Themes
Quick Assessment
Lost on a Mountain in Maine tells the true story of 12-year-old Donn Fendler's survival after getting lost in the Katahdin Mountains. The book portrays his physical and emotional challenges over nearly two weeks alone in the wilderness, suitable for middle-grade readers. Parents should note themes of fear, perseverance, and survival, with mild peril and natural dangers depicted realistically.
Why we rated Lost on a Mountain in Maine 9ME
Lost on a Mountain in Maine is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 112 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Lost on a Mountain in Maine works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Lost on a Mountain in Maine as 9ME ("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.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Mild Peril.
Thematically, Lost on a Mountain in Maine explores survival, adventure, coming of age, and 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 survival, adventure, coming of age.
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
9ME — Moderate — EmotionalReal stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.
Content Flags
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
- 9780062225160
- Pages
- 112
- Publisher
- Harper Collins
- Published
- 2013
- Type
- Fiction