The forgotten
David Baldacci
The forgotten
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by David Baldacci
John Puller
The text is written at a 4th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for teens (ages 13+), and the content has moderate intensity with some emotionally heavy themes.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
When John's aunt leaves a mysterious message before she dies, he heads to a small Florida town to uncover the truth. As an Army Special Agent, John dives into secrets that could change everything he thought he knew. Dangerous and thrilling, his investigation reveals a hidden web of deception.
Quick Assessment
This is a Level 4-5 book with moderate content intensity. Content themes include mild peril, physical danger, suspense. Written for readers ages 13+.
Why we rated The forgotten 9MP
The forgotten is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 432 pages (approximately 117,906 words). Strong independent readers around grade 5.7 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The forgotten works for readers up to grade 6.7.
Read aloud, The forgotten runs about 13.1 hours — long enough to span several bedtime sessions.
We rate The forgotten as 9MP ("Moderate — Physical") because the content sits in the "Moderate" range — moderate conflict that may involve loss, scary scenes, or interpersonal stakes. The strongest signals come from physical peril — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Mild Peril, Physical Danger, Suspense.
Thematically, The forgotten explores mystery, adventure, and family — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 13+ range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Readers who like a steady plot with enough momentum to keep pages turning.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about mystery, adventure, family.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers who get easily upset by emotional or moderately dark scenes — the conflict here is real, not just background flavor.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9MP — Moderate — PhysicalReal stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.
Content Flags
Was our "Moderate" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
5/10Engaging read with solid pacing and interesting themes.
Discussion Potential
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Forgotten
Patricia H. Rushford
Forgotten
Patricia H. Rushford
The fallen.
Tom Sniegoski
The fallen.
Tom Sniegoski
Forgotten
Cat Patrick
Forgotten
Cat Patrick
Forgotten (Jennie McGrady Mysteries)
Patricia H. Rushford
Forgotten (Jennie McGrady Mysteries)
Patricia H. Rushford
Unforgotten
Jessica Brody
Unforgotten
Jessica Brody
Long lost
David Morrell
Long lost
David Morrell
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780446573054
- Pages
- 432
- Publisher
- Grand Central Pub
- Published
- 2012-11
- Type
- Fiction
- Word Count
- 117,906
- Read-Aloud
- ~13h 6m
- Text Density
- Dense