Missing Brother
Keith Robertson
Missing Brother
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Keith Robertson
The text is written at a 6th 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
What if a simple chore like gathering red clay turned into a daring adventure? Imagine trekking to distant hills only to uncover secrets far bigger than you ever imagined. Could Ted’s prank trouble lead him into real danger?
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade novel follows Ted, a mischievous boy assigned extra homework to collect red clay from remote hills. His journey unfolds into an exciting adventure with unexpected challenges. Suitable for ages 9-12, the story contains light peril and themes of responsibility and discovery.
Why we rated Missing Brother 11LP
Missing Brother is written at a Level 6 reading level across 220 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Missing Brother works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Missing Brother as 11LP ("Light — Physical") 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, Missing Brother explores adventure, friendship, 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.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about adventure, friendship, coming of age.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11LP — 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
- 9780670480074
- Pages
- 220
- Publisher
- Viking Juvenile
- Published
- January 1, 1950
- Type
- Fiction