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Gone-Away Lake (Gone-Away Lake #1)

Elizabeth Enright; Beth Krush; Joe Krush; Colleen Delany (narrator) · 1957

Explore the age guidance, content cautions, positive qualities, and supporting notes for Gone-Away Lake (Gone-Away Lake #1) by Elizabeth Enright; Beth Krush; Joe Krush; Colleen Delany (narrator). This book is recommended for ages 8+; content notes include Frightening scenes, Death of a character; positive qualities include Creativity & curiosity, Good role models.

Ages 8+Source checked

Why this age? Best suited to middle-grade readers; the language and plot are accessible, with mild suspense around abandoned places but no significant violence or sexual content. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age8+

Strongest cautions

  • Frightening scenes2/5
  • Death of a character1/5

Strongest positives

  • Creativity & curiosity4/5
  • Good role models4/5
  • Kindness & empathy4/5

What’s in it?

Death of a character1/5
Why this rating?

There are no significant character deaths.

Frightening scenes2/5
Why this rating?

A few scenes involve minor suspense regarding exploring abandoned places, but nothing intended to be frightening.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience2/5
Why this rating?

The children show mild courage in exploring unknown territory.

Creativity & curiosity4/5
Why this rating?

The book encourages imagination and the ability to find magic in mundane places.

Diverse representation1/5
Why this rating?

Children and older adults have meaningful roles, but the cast is largely homogeneous in race, culture, ability, and identity, reflecting its 1957 setting.

Educational value2/5
Why this rating?

It touches on historical interest and the natural environment.

Kindness & empathy4/5
Why this rating?

Kindness and intergenerational respect are central themes.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

The story emphasizes curiosity, resourcefulness, and the value of intergenerational friendship.

Good role models4/5
Why this rating?

The child protagonists are independent, curious, and respectful, while the elderly characters model kindness and wisdom.

Family discussion

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Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What was the most imaginative idea in the story, and what would you add to it?
  2. Which moment felt most tense or frightening? What helped the characters handle fear?
  3. Which choice in Gone-Away Lake (Gone-Away Lake #1) would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in Gone-Away Lake (Gone-Away Lake #1), and what caused that change?
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These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

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