Ban Ki-Moon
Rebecca Aldridge
Ban Ki-Moon
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Rebecca Aldridge
The text is written at a 4th 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
The rustle of a letter sent across the world carries hopes from a young boy in South Korea. Ban Ki-moon’s journey takes him from heartfelt words to meeting presidents and leading the United Nations. His story is about dreaming big to bring peace and protect our planet, but the challenges he faces are far from easy.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade biography explores the life of Ban Ki-moon, from his childhood in South Korea to becoming the Secretary-General of the United Nations. It highlights his dedication to diplomacy, peacekeeping, and environmental issues, making it suitable for readers aged 9-12. The book offers an inspiring look at global leadership without intense conflict or mature themes.
Why we rated Ban Ki-Moon 9LE
Ban Ki-Moon is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 128 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Ban Ki-Moon works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Ban Ki-Moon as 9LE ("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, Ban Ki-Moon explores biography, historical, social justice, coming of age, and family — 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.
- ✓ Readers ready to talk through themes after they finish — there's enough substance for a meaningful conversation.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about biography, historical, social justice.
- ✓ Curious kids who prefer real-world topics over made-up stories.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9LE — Light — EmotionalLight 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
4/10Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781604130706
- Pages
- 128
- Publisher
- Facts On File
- Published
- 2009
- Type
- Nonfiction