Anson's way

Gary D. Schmidt

Cover of Anson's way

Anson's way

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Gary D. Schmidt

Reading Level 6-7 Moderate (Lvl 3) 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 has moderate intensity with some emotionally heavy themes.

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About This Book

Anson, a British soldier stationed in 18th-century Ireland, struggles between duty and his growing respect for a hedge master who secretly teaches Irish children their native language and heritage. Torn between loyalty and justice, Anson faces the tough choice of following orders or standing up for what he believes is right. This story explores courage, identity, and the power of cultural pride during a turbulent time.

Themes

Fathers and SonsIdentityMilitary OccupationHistoricalSocial Justice

Quick Assessment

This is a Level 6-7 book with moderate content intensity. Content themes include historical conflict, identity & self-discovery, social discrimination. Written for readers ages 9-12.

For Parents

Content Intensity

Level 3 — Moderate
Gentle Mild Moderate Intense Very Intense

Real stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.

Content Flags

Historical Conflict Identity & Self-Discovery Social Discrimination
Data confidence: standard

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

Reading Insights

Hook Factor

2/10

A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.

Discussion Potential

6/10

Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

Vocabulary Level
5
Emotional Weight
6
Narrative Pace
5
Theme Richness
8
World Scope
1
Data Confidence
8

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Details

Book Length

213 pages
49,188 words
5h 28m read-aloud
ISBN
0395915295
Pages
213
Publisher
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Published
1999
Type
Fiction
Word Count
49,188
Read-Aloud
~5h 28m
Text Density
Standard

Genres

Subjects

Fathers and SonsIdentitySoldiersMilitary OccupationIreland18th Century