New found land
Sam Youd
New found land
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Sam Youd
The text is written at a 4th 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
The crackle of a strange fireball fills the air, shimmering like a star that’s fallen to earth. Suddenly, Simon and Brad find themselves in a world where ancient Vikings, fierce Aztecs, and Native Americans cross paths in wild, unexpected ways. Every step is a new discovery, and every moment pulses with the thrill of the unknown.
Themes
Quick Assessment
New Found Land follows Simon and Brad as they are mysteriously transported to an alternate world blending elements of history and fantasy, encountering Native American, Viking, and Aztec cultures. Suitable for middle-grade readers, this adventurous story explores themes of exploration and cultural encounters with imaginative twists. Parents should note the book presents alternative histories and some mild peril as the boys navigate unfamiliar worlds.
Why we rated New found land 9LT
New found land is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 195 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, New found land works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate New found land as 9LT ("Light — Thematic") 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, New found land explores adventure, fantasy world-building, alternative histories, exploration, 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, fantasy world-building, alternative histories.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9LT — Light — ThematicLight 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
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781481420136
- Pages
- 195
- Publisher
- Simon and Schuster
- Published
- 2015
- Type
- Fiction