An enemy of the state
F. Paul Wilson
An enemy of the state
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by F. Paul Wilson
The text is written at a 6th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content has moderate intensity with some emotionally heavy themes.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
Peter LaNague isn't just any hero—he's starting a revolution that will change everything about how people live and are ruled. But to win, he has to trust unlikely allies, outsmart powerful enemies, and avoid becoming the very villain he's fighting against. What will it take to build a new future without losing himself?
Themes
Quick Assessment
An Enemy of the State is a middle-grade science fiction novel about Peter LaNague's daring quest to overthrow a corrupt empire and create a new federation. The story involves complex political themes, alliances with morally ambiguous characters, and strategic battles, suitable for readers aged 9 to 12 who enjoy thoughtful adventure. Parents should note the book explores themes of power, trust, and identity but contains no graphic content.
Why we rated An enemy of the state 11ME
An enemy of the state is written at a Level 6 reading level across 269 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, An enemy of the state works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate An enemy of the state as 11ME ("Moderate — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Moderate" range — moderate conflict that may involve loss, scary scenes, or interpersonal stakes. The strongest signals come from emotional weight, physical peril, 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 moderate intensity score.
Thematically, An enemy of the state explores adventure, science & nature, political intrigue, 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 adventure, science & nature, political intrigue.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers who get easily upset by emotional or moderately dark scenes — the conflict here is real, not just background flavor.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11ME — Moderate — EmotionalReal stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.
Was our "Moderate" 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
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Robopocalypse
Daniel Howard Wilson
Robopocalypse
Daniel Howard Wilson
The Enemy I kill
Alexander Knox
The Enemy I kill
Alexander Knox
My friend the enemy
Dan Smith
My friend the enemy
Dan Smith
The rebel worlds
Poul Anderson
The rebel worlds
Poul Anderson
Yesterday's enemy
William Haggard
Yesterday's enemy
William Haggard
Enemies
Steve Peterson
Enemies
Steve Peterson
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0385154224
- Pages
- 269
- Publisher
- Doubleday Books
- Published
- 1980
- Type
- Fiction