This new land
G. Clifton Wisler
This new land
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by G. Clifton Wisler
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
What would it be like to leave everything behind and sail across the ocean to a brand-new world? Ten-year-old Richard Woodley faces storms, unknown lands, and the challenge of starting fresh with the Pilgrims in Plymouth. Will Richard and his new friends survive their first year in this strange, new place?
Quick Assessment
This historical fiction novel follows ten-year-old Richard Woodley’s journey aboard the Mayflower and his experiences during the Pilgrims’ first year at Plymouth Colony. Suitable for ages 9-12, it offers an engaging perspective on early American history, capturing the challenges and hopes of the settlers. Parents should know it includes themes of survival and adaptation but contains no graphic content.
Why we rated This new land 9LE
This new land is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 124 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, This new land works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate This new land 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, This new land explores historical, adventure, coming of age, 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.
- ✓ Readers ready to talk through themes after they finish — there's enough substance for a meaningful conversation.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about historical, adventure, coming of age.
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
4/10Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0802767265
- Pages
- 124
- Publisher
- Walker & Company
- Published
- 1987
- Type
- Fiction