The shaman's secret
Larry D. Names
The shaman's secret
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Larry D. Names
The text is written at a 4th 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
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be the last of your tribe? Mitch Ballard just found out he's the last Yavapai, and now he's on a daring quest to find a hidden treasure that could change everything. But will the secrets of the past help him—or put him in danger?
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade adventure follows Mitch Ballard, a young boy who discovers he is the last member of the Yavapai tribe and sets out to find his tribe's legendary gold treasure. Suitable for ages 9-12, the story explores themes of heritage and identity with excitement and cultural significance. Parents should note the story involves mild peril as Mitch pursues his quest.
Why we rated The shaman's secret 9LE
The shaman's secret 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 shaman's secret works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate The shaman's secret as 9LE ("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 shaman's secret explores adventure, family, identity & self-discovery, friendship, and multicultural — 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 adventure, family, identity & self-discovery.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9LE — 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
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0385146256
- Pages
- 180
- Publisher
- Doubleday Books
- Published
- 1979
- Type
- Fiction