A grateful nation
Brent K. Ashabranner
A grateful nation
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
The Story of Arlington National Cemetery
by Brent K. Ashabranner
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
Here’s a secret many don’t know: Arlington National Cemetery holds stories of bravery, sacrifice, and honor that go beyond the tombstones. Each corner hides a piece of history, but that’s only the beginning.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This book explores the rich history of Arlington National Cemetery, presenting it as a national shrine honoring American heroes. Suitable for ages 9-12, it offers an accessible introduction to an important historical site without graphic content or mature themes.
Why we rated A grateful nation 9C
A grateful nation is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 117 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, A grateful nation works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate A grateful nation 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 grateful nation weaves together historical and family.
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, family.
- ✓ 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
1/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0399221883
- Pages
- 117
- Publisher
- Putnam Juvenile
- Published
- 1990
- Type
- Nonfiction