A Gathering of Days

Joan W. Blos

Cover of A Gathering of Days

A Gathering of Days

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

A New England Girl's Journal 1830-32

by Joan W. Blos

Reading Level 4-5 Moderate (Lvl 3) Ages 9-12 Matched

The text is written at a 4th 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

The pen scratches across the paper as Mary drifts between joy and sorrow on the family farm. Today, she watches her father marry someone new, but her heart is heavy with the loss of her best friend. What will tomorrow bring when life changes so fast?

Themes

Coming of AgeFamilyFriendshipJuvenile FictionClassics

Quick Assessment

This novel is presented as the journal of a fourteen-year-old girl living in a small New Hampshire town during the last year on her family farm. It sensitively explores themes of family change, friendship, and grief, making it suitable for children aged 9 to 12. Parents should be aware that the story includes the death of a close friend and the emotional challenges that follow.

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 Divorce & Family Change
Data confidence: standard

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

Reading Insights

Hook Factor

1/10

A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.

Discussion Potential

6/10

Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

Vocabulary Level
4
Emotional Weight
6
Theme Richness
7
World Scope
3
Data Confidence
7

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Details

Book Length

144 pages
ISBN
9780689829918
Pages
144
Publisher
Aladdin Paperbacks
Published
June 1, 1999
Type
Fiction

Genres

Subjects

ClassicsContemporaryNew HampshireNon-ClassifiableAction & AdventureDiariesNewbery MedalDiaries in FictionNew Hampshire in FictionSocial Life and CustomsSpiritual JournalsCountry LifeAuthorshipManners and CustomsNew EnglandFarm LifeRomans, NouvellesVie À La FermeRomans, Nouvelles, Etc. Pour La JeunesseAdventure and AdventurersFriendshipGirlsNew England, HistoryFamily

Places

New Hampshire