Reviewed by HootRated editorial · Last updated
The Left Behinds
David Potter
The Left Behinds
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
The IPhone that Saved George Washington
by David Potter
The text is written at a 3rd grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for younger children (ages 5–8), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.
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About This Book
What if you got stuck in the past during Christmas break? Imagine waking up in 1776 New Jersey, right next to General Washington—who’s suddenly gone! Now, with only an iPhone in hand, three friends must figure out how to fix history before it’s too late.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This adventurous early reader story follows three students who find themselves transported to 1776 New Jersey during Christmas break. They face a historic challenge when General Washington is found dead, and one child must use modern technology to help set things right. Suitable for ages 5-8, this book blends historical fiction with a fun time-travel twist, with light action and themes of problem-solving and teamwork.
Why we rated The Left Behinds 8LE
The Left Behinds is written at a Level 3-4 reading level with a Lexile measure of 610L across 344 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 4.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The Left Behinds works for readers up to grade 5.5.
We rate The Left Behinds as 8LE ("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 Left Behinds explores adventure, history, friendship, problem-solving, and time travel — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 5-8 range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about adventure, history, friendship.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
8LE — 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
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780385390569
- Pages
- 344
- Publisher
- Crown Books For Young Readers
- Published
- 2015
- Type
- Fiction
- Lexile
- 610L