One Shark, No Swim

Lehua Parker

Cover of One Shark, No Swim

One Shark, No Swim

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Lehua Parker

Reading Level 6 11ME Ages 9-12 Matched

The text is written at a 6th 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

The salty tang of the ocean fills the air, but the danger isn’t just in the water—it follows me everywhere. Shadows move like sharks in my dreams, and every creak makes my heart race. Holding my secret knife tight, I wonder if I’m ready to face the power inside me—and the fear that comes with it.

Quick Assessment

Set in contemporary Hawaii, this middle-grade fantasy novel weaves indigenous myths and legends into a thrilling story about belonging, identity, and family. The protagonist grapples with fear, bullying, and self-discovery while learning Filipino knife fighting and exploring cultural heritage. Appropriate for ages 9-12, the book includes Hawaiian and Pidgin language with glossary support and addresses themes like adoption and resilience in a culturally rich setting.

For Parents

Content Intensity

11ME — Moderate — Emotional
Emotional
Moderate
Physical
Moderate
Social
Light
Thematic
Light

Real stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.

Data confidence: standard

Was our "Moderate" content intensity rating accurate for this book?

Reading Insights

Hook Factor

2/10

A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.

Discussion Potential

4/10

Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

Vocabulary Level
5
Emotional Weight
6
Theme Richness
7
World Scope
1
Data Confidence
7

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Details

Book Length

295 pages
ISBN
9781939967114
Pages
295
Publisher
Makena Press
Published
2013
Type
Fiction

Genres