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American Anthem

Gene Scheer

Cover of American Anthem

American Anthem

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

A Song of Our Nation

by Gene Scheer

Reading Level 2 7C Ages 13+ Matched

The text is written at a 2nd grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for teens (ages 13+), and the content is gentle with no concerning themes.

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About This Book

America is more than just a place—it's a story told by many voices and colors. This book shows how everyone's efforts, big and small, weave together to shape our future. What will your legacy be in this great, diverse land?

Quick Assessment

American Anthem is a thoughtfully illustrated picture book inspired by the song quoted by President Joe Biden in his inaugural address. It celebrates the diversity, history, and enduring spirit of the United States, encouraging readers to reflect on their own contributions to the country. Suitable for young adults, this book promotes quiet patriotism and thoughtful reflection without intense conflict.

Why we rated American Anthem 7C

American Anthem is written at a Level 2 reading level across 19 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 3.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, American Anthem works for readers up to grade 4.0.

We rate American Anthem as 7C ("Clear") because the content sits in the "Gentle" range — no conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Across our four dimensions (emotional, physical, social, thematic) the book reads as evenly gentle; no single dimension stands out as a concern.

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

Thematically, American Anthem explores history - united states, multicultural, family, coming of age, and social justice — 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.
  • Kids drawn to stories about history - united states, multicultural, family.
  • 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

7C — Clear
Emotional
Clear
Physical
Clear
Social
Clear
Thematic
Clear

No conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Safe for sensitive readers.

Data confidence: standard

Was our "Gentle" content intensity rating accurate for this book?

Reading Insights

Hook Factor

1/10

A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.

Discussion Potential

3/10

A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

Vocabulary Level
2
Emotional Weight
2
Theme Richness
5
World Scope
1
Data Confidence
7

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Details

Book Length

19 pages
ISBN
9780030411649
Pages
19
Publisher
Penguin
Published
February 28, 2007
Type
Nonfiction

Genres

Subjects

United States/General