Race for the Record
Dave Jackson
Race for the Record
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
Joy Ridderhof (Trailblazer Books #29)
by Dave Jackson
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
Alastair races through the dense jungle, clutching a secret that could change everything. Joy Ridderhof waits anxiously, knowing the Gospels must be recorded before it's too late. Suddenly, a shadow looms—what will happen next?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fiction follows a young hero, Alastair, as he helps Joy Ridderhof record the Gospels in a native Asian language, combining action and adventure with Christian themes. Suitable for ages 9-12, it offers an engaging story that highlights cultural respect and perseverance without intense content. Parents can expect a positive, faith-based narrative with mild peril typical of adventure stories.
Why we rated Race for the Record 9LE
Race for the Record is written at a Level 4-5 reading level. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Race for the Record works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Race for the Record as 9LE ("Light — Emotional") 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, Race for the Record explores action & adventure, religious - christian, people & places - asia, friendship, and cultural respect — 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 action & adventure, religious - christian, people & places - asia.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9LE — Light — EmotionalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A 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
- ISBN
- 9780613929325
- Publisher
- Tandem Library
- Published
- July 1999
- Type
- Fiction