Years of dust

Albert Marrin

Cover of Years of dust

Years of dust

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

The Story of the Dust Bowl

by Albert Marrin

Reading Level 7-8 Moderate (Lvl 3) Ages 9-12 Balanced Read Rich Discussion

The text is written at a 7th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content has moderate intensity with some emotionally heavy themes.

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About This Book

During the 1930s, powerful dust storms swept across the Great Plains, disrupting farm life and forcing families to face harsh challenges. This story reveals how the land and its people endured a severe drought and economic hardship, highlighting their courage and determination. Rich with historic details and vivid imagery, it brings to life a pivotal chapter in American history.

Themes

Quick Assessment

This is a Level 7-8 book with moderate content intensity. Content themes include loss & grief, poverty & hardship, physical danger. Written for readers ages 9-12.

For Parents

Content Intensity

Level 3 — Moderate
Gentle Mild Moderate Intense Very Intense

Real stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.

Content Flags

Loss & Grief Poverty & Hardship Physical Danger Historical
Data confidence: high

Was our "Moderate" content intensity rating accurate for this book?

Reading Insights

Hook Factor

3/10

A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.

Discussion Potential

7/10

Rich themes that spark meaningful family conversation. Great for book clubs and read-alouds.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

Vocabulary Level
6
Emotional Weight
6
Narrative Pace
5
Theme Richness
9
World Scope
7
Data Confidence
8

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Details

Book Length

128 pages
24,174 words
2h 41m read-aloud
ISBN
9780525420774
Pages
128
Publisher
Penguin
Published
2009
Type
Nonfiction
Word Count
24,174
Lexile
1040L
Read-Aloud
~2h 41m
Text Density
Standard

Genres

Subjects

Depressions1929Great PlainsDust Storms20th CenturyDroughtsFarm LifeFarmersSocial ConditionsDust Bowl Era, 1931-1939Storms

Places

Great Plains