Walking on dry land
Denis Kehoe
Walking on dry land
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Denis Kehoe
The text is written at a 6th 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 feels like to uncover a family secret that changes everything? Imagine stepping into a world where every discovery about your past brings you closer to understanding who you really are. But what happens when the truth is more complicated than you ever expected?
Themes
Quick Assessment
Walking on Dry Land is a middle-grade novel that explores themes of family secrets and identity through the lens of Irish culture. Suitable for ages 9-12, it gently addresses the importance of knowing one's origins without intense conflict or disturbing content. Parents can expect a thoughtful story that encourages reflection on family history and personal discovery.
Why we rated Walking on dry land 11LE
Walking on dry land is written at a Level 6 reading level across 248 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Walking on dry land works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Walking on dry land as 11LE ("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, Walking on dry land explores family, identity & self-discovery, multicultural, and fiction — 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 family, identity & self-discovery, multicultural.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11LE — Light — EmotionalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A 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
- 9781846687815
- Pages
- 248
- Publisher
- Serpents Tail
- Published
- 2011
- Type
- Fiction