The Desperate Search (An American Adventure #2)
Lee Roddy
The Desperate Search (An American Adventure #2)
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Lee Roddy
The text is written at a 5th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
Hildy races through the tangled forest, heart pounding as shadows close in around her. Suddenly, a distant roar shakes the ground—something big is coming, and she’s not sure who to trust. Just when all seems lost, a mysterious figure appears, but will they be friend or foe?
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade novel continues the adventures of Hildy Corrigan as she navigates new challenges threatening her family. Suitable for ages 9-12, it explores themes of family, trust, and resilience amidst social and religious contexts. The story contains mild peril but is appropriate for readers in grades 3-6.
Why we rated The Desperate Search (An American Adventure #2) 10LE
The Desperate Search (An American Adventure #2) is written at a Level 5 reading level. Strong independent readers around grade 6.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The Desperate Search (An American Adventure #2) works for readers up to grade 7.0.
We rate The Desperate Search (An American Adventure #2) as 10LE ("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, The Desperate Search (An American Adventure #2) explores family, social issues, religious themes, and adventure — 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 family, social issues, religious themes.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
10LE — Light — EmotionalLight 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
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
The Desperate Search (An American Adventure, Book 2)
Lee Roddy
The Desperate Search (An American Adventure, Book 2)
Lee Roddy
The Desperate Search (An American Adventure, Book 2)
Lee Roddy
The Desperate Search (An American Adventure, Book 2)
Lee Roddy
The Flaming Trap (An American Adventure #5)
Lee Roddy
The Flaming Trap (An American Adventure #5)
Lee Roddy
The Secret of the Howling Cave (An American Adventure #4)
Lee Roddy
The Secret of the Howling Cave (An American Adventure #4)
Lee Roddy
Overland Escape/The Desperate Search/Danger on Thunder Mountain/Secret of the Howling Cave/The Flaming Trap (An American Adventure 1-5) (Boxed Set)
Lee Roddy
Overland Escape/The Desperate Search/Danger on Thunder Mountain/Secret of the Howling Cave/The Flaming Trap (An American Adventure 1-5) (Boxed Set)
Lee Roddy
The Legend of Fire (The Ladd Family Adventure Series #2)
Lee Roddy
The Legend of Fire (The Ladd Family Adventure Series #2)
Lee Roddy
Details
- ISBN
- 9780785745129
- Publisher
- Turtleback Books
- Published
- October 1999
- Type
- Fiction