Unbound

Unbound is written at a Level 5-6 reading level with a Lexile measure of 900L across 345 pages (approximately 28,447 words). Strong independent readers around grade 6.1 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Unbound works for readers up to grade 7.1.

Read aloud, Unbound runs about 3.2 hours — long enough to span several bedtime sessions.

We rate Unbound as 10ME ("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, social complexity — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.

Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Fear & Anxiety, Family Change, Physical Danger, Racial Discrimination.

Thematically, Unbound explores african american families, family, slavery, survival, and historical — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers. Each of these themes is concrete enough to seed a real conversation, not just a moral lesson.