The Desperate Search (An American Adventure, Book 2)

Lee Roddy

Cover of The Desperate Search (An American Adventure, Book 2)

The Desperate Search (An American Adventure, Book 2)

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Lee Roddy

American Adventure (Bethany)

Reading Level 4-5 Moderate (Lvl 3) Ages 9-12 Matched Rich Discussion

The text is written at a 4th 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

Hildy hopes for a joyful life with her family and new stepmother, but their journey to California as migrant workers brings unexpected hardships. Facing poverty and uncertainty, Hildy must find strength and hope amid tough times. This story explores resilience and faith during challenging changes.

Themes

Quick Assessment

This is a Level 4-5 book with moderate content intensity. Content themes include poverty & hardship, family change, fear & anxiety. Written for readers ages 9-12.

For Parents

Content Intensity

Level 3 — Moderate
Gentle Mild Moderate Intense Very Intense

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

Content Flags

Poverty & Hardship Family Change Fear & Anxiety
Data confidence: standard

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

Reading Insights

Hook Factor

3/10

A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.

Discussion Potential

7/10

Rich themes that spark meaningful family conversation. Great for book clubs and read-alouds.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

Vocabulary Level
4
Emotional Weight
6
Narrative Pace
3
Theme Richness
7
World Scope
1
Data Confidence
8

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Details

Book Length

180 pages
49,208 words
5h 28m read-aloud
ISBN
1556610270
Pages
180
Publisher
Bethany House Publishers
Published
February 1989
Type
Fiction
Word Count
49,208
Read-Aloud
~5h 28m
Text Density
Dense

Genres

Subjects

ReligiousChristianDepressionsSocial SituationsAdventure and Adventurers1929Christian Life