The journal of C.J. Jackson

William Durbin

Cover of The journal of C.J. Jackson

The journal of C.J. Jackson

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

A Dust Bowl Migrant

by William Durbin

My Name Is America

Reading Level 5-6 Moderate (Lvl 3) Ages 9-12 Matched Rich Discussion

The text is written at a 5th 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

At just thirteen, C.J. Jackson captures the struggles of his family as they leave their Oklahoma farm behind during the Dust Bowl. Their journey westward to California leads them into the tough life of migrant workers, testing their courage and hope. Through C.J.'s eyes, experience a powerful story of resilience during one of America's toughest times.

Quick Assessment

This is a Level 5-6 book with moderate content intensity. Content themes include poverty & hardship, loss & grief, physical danger. 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 Loss & Grief Physical Danger
Data confidence: standard

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

Reading Insights

Hook Factor

4/10

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
5
Emotional Weight
6
Narrative Pace
5
Theme Richness
8
World Scope
9
Data Confidence
6

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Details

Book Length

169 pages
31,294 words
3h 29m read-aloud
ISBN
0439153069
Pages
169
Publisher
Scholastic Press
Published
2002
Type
Fiction
Word Count
31,294
Read-Aloud
~3h 29m
Text Density
Standard

Subjects

Depressions1929Dust StormsOklahomaOklahoma PanhandleDust Bowl Era, 1931-1939DroughtsFamily LifeMigrant LaborCaliforniaDust Bowl Erafastfst00899651DiariesHistorical Fiction

Places

OklahomaCaliforniaOklahoma Panhandle