A killing in Plymouth Colony

Carol Otis Hurst

Cover of A killing in Plymouth Colony

A killing in Plymouth Colony

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Carol Otis Hurst

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

Set in the early days of Plymouth Colony, a young boy named John struggles to live up to his father's expectations while the community confronts its very first murder and the trial that follows. Amidst the challenges of colonial life, John must find courage and understanding in a time of fear and uncertainty. History comes alive as family bonds and justice are tested in this gripping tale.

Quick Assessment

This is a Level 4-5 book with moderate content intensity. Content themes include murder, trial, family conflict. Written for readers ages 9-12.

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

Murder Trial Family Conflict
Data confidence: standard

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

Reading Insights

Hook Factor

2/10

A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.

Discussion Potential

5/10

Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

Vocabulary Level
4
Emotional Weight
6
Narrative Pace
5
Theme Richness
7
World Scope
9
Data Confidence
6

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Details

Book Length

147 pages
29,721 words
3h 18m read-aloud
ISBN
0618275975
Pages
147
Publisher
Houghton Mifflin Co.
Published
2003
Type
Fiction
Word Count
29,721
Read-Aloud
~3h 18m
Text Density
Standard

Subjects

Bradford, William, 1590-1657Fathers and SonsMurderPuritansPlymouth17th CenturyMassachusettsColonial Period, Ca. 1600-1775Parent and ChildFrontier and Pioneer Life

People

William Bradford (1590-1657)

Places

MassachusettsPlymouth (Mass.)