A summer of Kings

Han Nolan

Cover of A summer of Kings

A summer of Kings

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Han Nolan

Reading Level 7 12IS Ages 9-12 Balanced Read

The text is written at a 7th 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

King-Roy Johnson is not just anyone—he’s a young man fighting for justice in a time when standing up can be dangerous. When he moves in with Esther’s family, everything changes, forcing her to confront truth, courage, and what it really means to be brave.

Quick Assessment

Set in 1963 Alabama, this middle-grade novel explores complex themes of race relations, justice, and family through the eyes of fourteen-year-old Esther. The story sensitively addresses historical and social challenges appropriate for ages 9-12, providing a meaningful look at courage and identity during a pivotal era.

For Parents

Content Intensity

12IS — Intense — Social
Emotional
Moderate
Physical
Light
Social
Intense
Thematic
Moderate

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

5/10

Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

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

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Details

Book Length

334 pages
ISBN
9780152051082
Pages
334
Publisher
Harcourt Childrens Books
Published
2006
Type
Fiction

Genres

Subjects

Race RelationsBlack MuslimsFamily LifeCivil Rights MovementsAfrican AmericansAfrican-American Teenage BoysCivil Rights MovementLife Change Events in TeenagersFourteen-year-old GirlsParent and ChildIndividuality in TeenagersSelf-discovery in Teenage BoysFugitivesProtests, Demonstrations, VigilsThe SixtiesSelf-discovery in TeenagersFamilyFourteen-year-oldsEighteen-year-old MenParent and TeenagerEighteen-year-oldsMurder SuspectsSelf-discovery in Teenage GirlsCivil Rights WorkersMuslimsNew York

Places

Westchester County (N.Y.)New York (State)