A capital capital city, 1790-1814
Suzanne Hilton
A capital capital city, 1790-1814
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Suzanne Hilton
The text is written at a 4th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is gentle with no concerning themes.
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About This Book
What does it take to build a brand-new city from scratch? Imagine stepping back to the late 1700s, where a group of planners and dreamers decide to create the capital of a young nation. But as the city starts to grow, will it become the bustling hub they hoped for, or will unexpected challenges get in the way?
Quick Assessment
This book offers an engaging exploration of the founding and early development of Washington, D.C., focusing on the people and planning behind the nation's capital from 1790 to 1814. Suitable for middle-grade readers (ages 9-12), it presents historical facts in an accessible and narrative-driven way without intense content. It's a great resource for young readers interested in American history and civic development.
Why we rated A capital capital city, 1790-1814 9C
A capital capital city, 1790-1814 is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 156 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, A capital capital city, 1790-1814 works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate A capital capital city, 1790-1814 as 9C ("Clear") because the content sits in the "Gentle" range — no conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Across our four dimensions (emotional, physical, social, thematic) the book reads as evenly gentle; no single dimension stands out as a concern.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the gentle intensity score.
Thematically, A capital capital city, 1790-1814 explores historical, science & nature, and adventure — 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 historical, science & nature, adventure.
- ✓ Curious kids who prefer real-world topics over made-up stories.
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
9C — ClearNo conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Safe for sensitive readers.
Was our "Gentle" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
2/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0689316410
- Pages
- 156
- Publisher
- Atheneum Books
- Published
- 1992
- Type
- Nonfiction