Abe Lincoln and the selfie that saved the Union
David Potter
Abe Lincoln and the selfie that saved the Union
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by David Potter
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
What if a simple selfie could change history? Imagine being whisked back to the middle of the Civil War, right into the chaos of the Battle of Gettysburg, with only your wits and a smartphone app to save the day. Can Mel and his friends make sure history unfolds the way it’s supposed to — or will the Union be lost forever?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade historical fiction adventure follows Mel and his friends as they time travel to 1863 during the Battle of Gettysburg. The story blends humor with history, providing educational insights alongside thrilling escapades, making it suitable for ages 9-12. Parents should note the book includes Civil War themes but presents them in an accessible and engaging way, with no graphic content.
Why we rated Abe Lincoln and the selfie that saved the Union 11LE
Abe Lincoln and the selfie that saved the Union is written at a Level 6 reading level across 295 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Abe Lincoln and the selfie that saved the Union works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Abe Lincoln and the selfie that saved the Union 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, Abe Lincoln and the selfie that saved the Union explores history, adventure, time travel, friendship, 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 history, adventure, time travel.
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
- 9780385390606
- Pages
- 295
- Publisher
- Crown Books for Young Readers
- Published
- 2016
- Type
- Fiction