A Band of Angels
Julian F. Thompson
A Band of Angels
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Julian F. Thompson
The text is written at a 7th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for teens (ages 13+), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.
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About This Book
Here’s a secret: Riley, Jordan, and Michael aren’t just on any road trip—they’re carrying a mission that might change everything. Along the way, two unexpected friends join them, turning their journey into something much bigger. But that’s only the beginning.
Quick Assessment
This young adult novel follows three teenagers embarking on a cross-country trip with a purpose tied to the antinuclear movement and arms control themes. Suitable for ages 13 and up, it explores friendship, activism, and the potential impact youth can have on history. The story contains mature themes related to social responsibility but no graphic content.
Why we rated A Band of Angels 12MS
A Band of Angels is written at a Level 7 reading level across 304 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 8.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, A Band of Angels works for readers up to grade 9.0.
We rate A Band of Angels as 12MS ("Moderate — Social") because the content sits in the "Mild" range — mild conflict — the kind a child encounters in normal play and sibling life. The strongest signals come from social complexity — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the mild intensity score.
Thematically, A Band of Angels explores friendship, coming of age, social justice, and adventure — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 13+ range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about friendship, coming of age, social justice.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers whose emotional readiness lags behind their decoding skills — this book's intensity outruns its reading level, a classic "gifted kid" mismatch.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
12MS — Moderate — SocialLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
2/10A 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
- 9780590431248
- Pages
- 304
- Publisher
- Scholastic Paperbacks
- Published
- May 1989
- Type
- Fiction