American Values
David M. Haugen
American Values
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by David M. Haugen
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 you could hear all the different voices arguing about what really matters in America? Imagine exploring big questions about patriotism, culture, and the values that shape a nation. But can these ideas bring people together or pull them apart?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade book presents a balanced debate on American values, featuring expert opinions in a pro/con format that encourages critical thinking. Suitable for ages 9-12, it explores themes of patriotism, cultural diversity, and moral questions relevant to the United States. Parents should note that the book includes complex discussions that may prompt thoughtful conversations.
Why we rated American Values 11MT
American Values is written at a Level 6 reading level across 208 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, American Values works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate American Values as 11MT ("Moderate — Thematic") 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 thematic difficulty — 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, American Values explores united states, moral conditions, patriotism, cultural diversity, and critical thinking — 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 united states, moral conditions, patriotism.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11MT — Moderate — ThematicLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780737769456
- Pages
- 208
- Publisher
- Greenhaven Publishing
- Published
- 2014
- Type
- Fiction