The Flood Disaster (FRIGHTMARES)
Jean Little
The Flood Disaster (FRIGHTMARES)
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Jean Little
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
Water rushes through the streets as Warren and Betsy hold on tight, the roar of the flood drowning out everything else. They’ve traveled back in time to the day the Johnstown Flood changed everything. But can they save the day before it’s too late?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This historical fiction novel follows Warren and Betsy as they travel back in time to the Johnstown Flood, aiming to fulfill a dying child's wish. Suitable for ages 9-12, it introduces young readers to a significant historical event with elements of time travel and adventure. Parents should note the story involves themes of disaster and loss but handles them in an age-appropriate manner.
Why we rated The Flood Disaster (FRIGHTMARES) 9ME
The Flood Disaster (FRIGHTMARES) is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 160 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The Flood Disaster (FRIGHTMARES) works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate The Flood Disaster (FRIGHTMARES) as 9ME ("Moderate — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Moderate" range — moderate conflict that may involve loss, scary scenes, or interpersonal stakes. The strongest signals come from emotional weight, physical peril — 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 moderate intensity score.
Thematically, The Flood Disaster (FRIGHTMARES) explores historical, time travel, adventure, and family — 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.
- ✓ Readers ready to talk through themes after they finish — there's enough substance for a meaningful conversation.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about historical, time travel, adventure.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers who get easily upset by emotional or moderately dark scenes — the conflict here is real, not just background flavor.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9ME — Moderate — EmotionalReal stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.
Was our "Moderate" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
2/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
4/10Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780671009656
- Pages
- 160
- Publisher
- Minstrel
- Published
- October 1, 1999
- Type
- Fiction