Race to Save the Lord God Bird
Phillip Hoose
Race to Save the Lord God Bird
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Phillip Hoose
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
Hear the sharp tapping echo through the deep forest as the mighty Ivory-billed Woodpecker searches for food. For centuries, this incredible bird has both fascinated and challenged people who want to protect it from disappearing forever. But can anyone save this legendary bird before it’s too late?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade nonfiction book tells the compelling story of the Ivory-billed Woodpecker, tracing over two hundred years of history and efforts to prevent its extinction. It introduces young readers to key figures in ornithology and conservation while highlighting the challenges and importance of protecting endangered species. Suitable for ages 9-12, it contains no graphic content but involves themes of environmental loss and scientific discovery.
Why we rated Race to Save the Lord God Bird 11MT
Race to Save the Lord God Bird is written at a Level 6 reading level across 208 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Race to Save the Lord God Bird works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Race to Save the Lord God Bird as 11MT ("Moderate — Thematic") 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 thematic difficulty — 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, Race to Save the Lord God Bird explores endangered species, science & nature, historical, conservation, and environmental awareness — 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 endangered species, science & nature, historical.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11MT — Moderate — ThematicLight 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
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780374301965
- Pages
- 208
- Publisher
- Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR)
- Published
- 2014
- Type
- Fiction