A long year of silence

Kathryn Adams Doty

Cover of A long year of silence

A long year of silence

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Kathryn Adams Doty

Reading Level 4-5 9ME 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

What if your hometown suddenly turned against you just because of where your family came from? Imagine living in a tight-knit community where friendships are tested and secrets are whispered as the world outside erupts in war. How will Emma face the silence that grows louder each day?

Themes

Quick Assessment

Set during World War I, this middle-grade novel explores the impact of anti-German sentiment on a young girl and her family in Minnesota. It thoughtfully addresses themes of cultural identity, prejudice, and resilience in a historical context suitable for readers ages 9 to 12. Parents should note the story includes emotional challenges related to wartime discrimination and changing social dynamics.

For Parents

Content Intensity

9ME — Moderate — Emotional
Emotional
Moderate
Physical
Clear
Social
Moderate
Thematic
Light

Real stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.

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

4/10

Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

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

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Details

Book Length

197 pages
ISBN
1889020125
Pages
197
Publisher
Edinborough Press
Published
2004
Type
Fiction

Genres

Subjects

World War, 1914-1918MinnesotaChildren of ClergyGerman AmericansTeenage GirlsGermanyForeign Public Opinion, AmericanNew UlmAmerican Foreign Public OpinionWorld War1914-1918

Places

GermanyMinnesotaNew Ulm (Minn.)