North with de Anza
Dorothy Ward Erskine
North with de Anza
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Dorothy Ward Erskine
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
Pedro clutches his horse’s reins as the wind howls through the desert. Suddenly, a shout pierces the air—Apache warriors are closing in! Can Pedro survive the wild journey north, or will the dangerous Colorado River be his last challenge?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This historical fiction novel follows twelve-year-old Pedro Peralta on a perilous 2,000-mile expedition to settle northern California in the 18th century. The story includes themes of adventure and exploration, with some depictions of conflict such as Apache attacks and natural hazards like river crossings. Suitable for middle-grade readers ages 9-12, it offers an engaging look at early exploration with manageable tension.
Why we rated North with de Anza 11MP
North with de Anza is written at a Level 6 reading level across 207 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, North with de Anza works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate North with de Anza as 11MP ("Moderate — Physical") because the content sits in the "Mild" range — mild conflict — the kind a child encounters in normal play and sibling life. The strongest signals come from physical peril — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the mild intensity score.
Thematically, North with de Anza explores adventure, explorers, 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.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about adventure, explorers, historical.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11MP — Moderate — 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
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0826336310
- Pages
- 207
- Publisher
- Thomas Y. Crowell
- Published
- 2004
- Type
- Fiction