America as story
Rosemary K. Coffey
America as story
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
Historical Fiction for Middle and Secondary Schools
by Rosemary K. Coffey
The text is written at a 6th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for teens (ages 13+), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.
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About This Book
The crackle of prairie grass underfoot, the cold whisper of night skies guiding brave footsteps—these are the sounds and scents of young adventurers shaping a new life. Feel the rough texture of sod walls built by hopeful hands and the restless energy of journeys filled with hope and fear. Their stories echo with courage and dreams that still inspire today.
Quick Assessment
This historical fiction book presents a vivid collection of stories about young people facing the challenges and hopes of building new lives in America. Suitable for ages 13 to 18, it offers an engaging way to understand diverse experiences from prairie settlers to escaped slaves and immigrants. The book is appropriate for middle and high school readers, providing cultural and historical insights without intense content.
Why we rated America as story 11LE
America as story is written at a Level 6 reading level across 216 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, America as story works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate America as story 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, America as story explores historical, coming of age, family, multicultural, and adventure — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 13+ 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 historical, coming of age, family.
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
4/10Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0838907024
- Pages
- 216
- Publisher
- American Library Association
- Published
- 1997
- Type
- Fiction