The prodigals
Clark Rich Burbidge
The prodigals
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
The Prodigals: Book Two
by Clark Rich Burbidge
Illustrated by Hepworth, Karl C., 1953- illustrator
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
What if a great shadow threatened to swallow everything you love, and only three young heroes stood in the way? Thomas and his grandchildren, Tommy and Rose, must leave behind their everyday lives to face a danger too big for anyone to handle alone. Will they rise to become the heroes their land desperately needs?
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fantasy novel follows Thomas, an older guardian of the forest, and his grandchildren as they confront a looming threat to their people and the ancient Giants. Suitable for ages 9-12, the story explores themes of bravery, family, and sacrifice with moderate peril but no graphic content. It encourages resilience and teamwork in the face of adversity.
Why we rated The prodigals 9ME
The prodigals is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 180 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The prodigals works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate The prodigals 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 prodigals explores fantasy world-building, 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.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about fantasy world-building, 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.
- ! 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
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780991464135
- Pages
- 180
- Publisher
- WinePress Publishing
- Published
- 2013
- Type
- Fiction