At a dollar a year
Robert L. Raymond
At a dollar a year
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
Ripples on the Edge of the Maelstrom
by Robert L. Raymond
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 gentle with no concerning themes.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
The clock is ticking and the deal is about to change everything. Right now, a mysterious offer hangs in the air — a dollar a year for something unbelievable. What will happen next?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This collection of short fiction stories offers engaging tales suitable for middle-grade readers ages 9 to 12. The stories are classic in nature and provide a glimpse into timeless themes without intense content. Parents can expect age-appropriate language and scenarios that encourage imagination and reflection.
Why we rated At a dollar a year 11C
At a dollar a year is written at a Level 6 reading level across 239 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, At a dollar a year works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate At a dollar a year as 11C ("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, At a dollar a year explores fiction short stories, adventure, and imagination — 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 fiction short stories, adventure, imagination.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers whose emotional readiness lags behind their decoding skills — this book's intensity outruns its reading level, a classic "gifted kid" mismatch.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11C — ClearNo conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Safe for sensitive readers.
Was our "Gentle" 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
The dollar-a-year principal
John Dunworth
The dollar-a-year principal
John Dunworth
Dollars & sense
Carol Carter
Dollars & sense
Carol Carter
The go-around dollar
Barbara Johnston Adams
The go-around dollar
Barbara Johnston Adams
Your Army of Dollars
Luisa Tennant
Your Army of Dollars
Luisa Tennant
Four Dollars and Fifty Cents
Eric A. Kimmel
Four Dollars and Fifty Cents
Eric A. Kimmel
Change the world for ten bucks
We Are What We Do (Charity)
Change the world for ten bucks
We Are What We Do (Charity)
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0836939069
- Pages
- 239
- Publisher
- Ayer Publishing
- Published
- 1971
- Type
- Fiction