Years of dust
Albert Marrin
Years of dust
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
The Story of the Dust Bowl
by Albert Marrin
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 — ModerateReal stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.
Content Flags
Was our "Moderate" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
3/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
7/10Rich themes that spark meaningful family conversation. Great for book clubs and read-alouds.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780525420774
- Pages
- 128
- Publisher
- Penguin
- Published
- 2009
- Type
- Nonfiction
- Word Count
- 24,174
- Lexile
- 1040L
- Read-Aloud
- ~2h 41m
- Text Density
- Standard