The word
Irving Wallace
The word
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
A Novel
by Irving Wallace
The text is written at a 8th 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 secret letter from the brother of Jesus Christ was found after thousands of years? Imagine how this discovery could change everything people believe about history and faith. Could this ancient message hold truths no one expected?
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fiction explores the discovery of a mysterious ancient document attributed to James of Jerusalem, the brother of Jesus Christ. Suitable for ages 9-12, the story delves into themes of history, mystery, and faith with thoughtful consideration. Parents should note that it involves historical religious figures and may prompt questions about belief and interpretation.
Why we rated The word 12LE
The word is written at a Level 8 reading level across 576 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 9.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The word works for readers up to grade 10.0.
We rate The word as 12LE ("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 word explores mystery, historical, and adventure — 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.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about mystery, historical, adventure.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers whose emotional readiness lags behind their decoding skills — this book's intensity outruns its reading level, a classic "gifted kid" mismatch.
For Parents
Content Intensity
12LE — Light — EmotionalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
3/10A 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
- 0671211536
- Pages
- 576
- Publisher
- Simon & Schuster
- Published
- 1972
- Type
- Fiction