A Gunner Aboard the "Yankee"
Russell Doubleday
A Gunner Aboard the "Yankee"
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
The Yarn of the Cruise and Fights of the Naval Reserves in the Spanish-american War
by Russell Doubleday
The text is written at a 6th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.
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About This Book
The sharp clang of metal echoes across the deck, mingling with the salty spray of the sea. Feel the rough ropes beneath your hands and hear the distant call of orders as a young gunner braces for battle aboard the Yankee. Every moment hums with courage and the weight of history.
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade historical fiction novel follows a young gunner's experiences aboard the USS Yankee during the Spanish-American War. It provides an immersive look into naval life and wartime challenges appropriate for ages 9 to 12, with no intense content concerns. Parents can expect a vivid portrayal of bravery and adventure set against a real historical backdrop.
Why we rated A Gunner Aboard the "Yankee" 11LE
A Gunner Aboard the "Yankee" is written at a Level 6 reading level across 220 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, A Gunner Aboard the "Yankee" works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate A Gunner Aboard the "Yankee" as 11LE ("Light — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Mild" range — mild conflict — the kind a child encounters in normal play and sibling life. Across our four dimensions (emotional, physical, social, thematic) the book reads as evenly mild; no single dimension stands out as a concern.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the mild intensity score.
Thematically, A Gunner Aboard the "Yankee" explores historical, adventure, and coming of age — 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, adventure, coming of age.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11LE — Light — EmotionalLight 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
- 9781426474286
- Pages
- 220
- Publisher
- Createspace Independent Publishing Platform
- Published
- February 22, 2007
- Type
- Fiction