Marooned
Robert Andrew Parker
Marooned
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
The Strange but True Adventures of Alexander Selkirk, the Real Robinson Crusoe
by Robert Andrew Parker
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
Alexander Selkirk stands alone on a deserted island, the waves crashing around him as the ship sails away without him. Armed with just a musket and his courage, he faces the wild unknown with nothing but his wits. But how will he survive when no one knows where he is?
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade historical adventure follows the true story of Alexander Selkirk, who was stranded on an uninhabited island for over four years in the early 1700s. The book explores themes of survival, solitude, and life at sea, including depictions of piracy and maritime conflict appropriate for ages 9-12. It includes additional resources like an author’s note and glossary to support young readers’ understanding.
Why we rated Marooned 9ME
Marooned is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 128 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Marooned works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Marooned 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: Violence.
Thematically, Marooned explores survival, adventure, historical, and coming of age — 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.
- ✓ Readers ready to talk through themes after they finish — there's enough substance for a meaningful conversation.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about survival, adventure, historical.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers who get easily upset by emotional or moderately dark scenes — the conflict here is real, not just background flavor.
- ! Children who are sensitive to violence, even when handled at age-appropriate levels.
- ! 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
4/10Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780547533810
- Pages
- 128
- Publisher
- Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
- Published
- 2005
- Type
- Fiction