The map that breathed
Melanie Gideon
The map that breathed
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Melanie Gideon
The text is written at a 6th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.
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About This Book
What if a simple map could open a doorway to another world? Imagine stepping through it and finding yourself caught in an epic battle against a powerful, mysterious enemy. Nora and Billy must use their extraordinary abilities to face the Provisioner—but will their courage be enough to save both worlds?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fantasy novel follows twelve-year-old Nora and her friend Billy as they enter a magical realm through a mystical map. Together, they confront a dangerous antagonist known as the Provisioner. Suitable for ages 9-12, the story includes themes of adventure, friendship, and bravery with mild peril appropriate for this age group.
Why we rated The map that breathed 11LP
The map that breathed is written at a Level 6 reading level across 244 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The map that breathed works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate The map that breathed as 11LP ("Light — Physical") 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 map that breathed explores fantasy, adventure, friendship, and coming of age — 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.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about fantasy, adventure, friendship.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11LP — Light — PhysicalLight 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
- 0805071423
- Pages
- 244
- Publisher
- Macmillan
- Published
- 2003
- Type
- Fiction