As the eagle goes
Anne E. Schraff
As the eagle goes
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Anne E. Schraff
The text is written at a 2nd grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for younger children (ages 5–8), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
Jim Black Eagle sprints across the finish line, heart pounding and breath sharp in the cool air. His grandfather’s eyes shine with hope, dreaming of Olympic gold, but Jim’s mind drifts to colors and shapes waiting on his canvas. Suddenly, a challenge from a mysterious rival shakes everything—what will Jim choose?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This early reader introduces young children to themes of Native American heritage and personal identity through the story of Jim Black Eagle, a boy torn between his grandfather’s athletic dreams and his own artistic passion. Suitable for ages 5-8, the book gently explores themes of sportsmanship, family expectations, and self-discovery with simple language and positive messages. Parents should note that the story includes mild competitive tension but no graphic content.
Why we rated As the eagle goes 7LE
As the eagle goes is written at a Level 2 reading level across 48 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 3.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, As the eagle goes works for readers up to grade 4.0.
We rate As the eagle goes as 7LE ("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, As the eagle goes explores track and field, native american culture, high school life, mystery, and self-discovery — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 5-8 range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about track and field, native american culture, high school life.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
7LE — 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
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Flight of the eagle
J. D. Haines
Flight of the eagle
J. D. Haines
Flying with the eagle, racing the great bear
Joseph Bruchac
Flying with the eagle, racing the great bear
Joseph Bruchac
Eagle Drums
Rainey Hopson
Eagle Drums
Rainey Hopson
Eagle Song
Joseph Bruchac
Eagle Song
Joseph Bruchac
The American eagle
Tom Leeson
The American eagle
Tom Leeson
Jim Thorpe
Barbara Long
Jim Thorpe
Barbara Long
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 1586590863
- Pages
- 48
- Publisher
- Artesian Press
- Published
- 2000
- Type
- Fiction