Tom Swift in the Jungle of the Mayas
James Duncan Lawrence
Tom Swift in the Jungle of the Mayas
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by James Duncan Lawrence
Illustrated by Graham Kaye
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
Tom Swift races through the dense jungle, heart pounding as strange symbols glow on ancient stones. Suddenly, a hidden door creaks open, revealing secrets no one expected. What will they find inside this mysterious world?
Quick Assessment
In this middle-grade adventure, Tom Swift and his friends embark on a scientific expedition to the Yucatan, where they uncover records of a mysterious ancient people. The story blends action and science fiction elements suitable for ages 9-12, with mild peril and themes of exploration and discovery. Parents can expect an engaging, imaginative tale with age-appropriate suspense and adventure.
Why we rated Tom Swift in the Jungle of the Mayas 9LP
Tom Swift in the Jungle of the Mayas is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 184 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Tom Swift in the Jungle of the Mayas works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Tom Swift in the Jungle of the Mayas as 9LP ("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, Tom Swift in the Jungle of the Mayas explores adventure, science & nature, friendship, and mystery — 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 adventure, science & nature, friendship.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers looking for something heavier — this is a gentle, low-stakes story by design.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9LP — Light — PhysicalLight 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
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780448055565
- Pages
- 184
- Publisher
- Grosset & Dunlap Inc.
- Published
- 1972
- Type
- Fiction