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Abraham Lincoln

Teri Kanefield

Cover of Abraham Lincoln

Abraham Lincoln

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

The Making of America #3

by Teri Kanefield

Reading Level 6 11MS Ages 9-12 Balanced Read

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 crackling of the fireplace fills the room as the smell of old books and polished wood surrounds you. You step into the world of a tall, thoughtful man whose words changed a nation and whose heart carried a heavy burden. His journey is filled with hope, courage, and the quiet strength that shaped America forever.

Themes

HistoryPresidentsCivil WarComing of AgeFamily

Quick Assessment

This illustrated biography introduces middle-grade readers to Abraham Lincoln, exploring his life from humble beginnings to his presidency during the Civil War. It offers an age-appropriate portrayal of his leadership, challenges, and legacy, suitable for ages 9-12. The book sensitively handles themes of history and conflict without graphic detail, making it a solid educational resource for young readers.

Why we rated Abraham Lincoln 11MS

Abraham Lincoln is written at a Level 6 reading level across 240 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Abraham Lincoln works for readers up to grade 8.0.

We rate Abraham Lincoln as 11MS ("Moderate — Social") because the content sits in the "Mild" range — mild conflict — the kind a child encounters in normal play and sibling life. The strongest signals come from social complexity — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.

No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the mild intensity score.

Thematically, Abraham Lincoln explores history, presidents, civil war, coming of age, and family — 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.
  • Readers ready to talk through themes after they finish — there's enough substance for a meaningful conversation.
  • Kids drawn to stories about history, presidents, civil war.
  • Curious kids who prefer real-world topics over made-up stories.

Maybe not for

  • ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.

For Parents

Content Intensity

11MS — Moderate — Social
Emotional
Light
Physical
Clear
Social
Moderate
Thematic
Light

Light conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.

Data confidence: standard

Was our "Mild" 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
5
Emotional Weight
4
Theme Richness
5
World Scope
1
Data Confidence
7

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Details

Book Length

240 pages
ISBN
9781419731594
Pages
240
Publisher
Harry N. Abrams
Published
2018
Type
Nonfiction

Genres

Subjects

Lincoln, Abraham, 1809-1865LincolnAbraham1809-1865Presidents, United StatesPresidentsUnited StatesUnited States, History, Civil War, 1861-1865Civil War1861-1865United States, Politics and GovernmentPolitics and Government