Between the devil and the sea
Brenda A. Johnston
Between the devil and the sea
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
The Life of James Forten
by Brenda A. Johnston
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
Have you ever wondered what it was like to be caught between the dangers of the sea and the fight for freedom? Imagine being James Forten, a young man in 18th-century Philadelphia, who sails the ocean while dreaming of justice and equality. What challenges will he face as he stands up against slavery in a world full of danger and change?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This historical fiction book tells the story of James Forten, a free Black sailmaker from Philadelphia who became an influential abolitionist in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Suitable for middle-grade readers, it introduces themes of perseverance, social justice, and African American history with age-appropriate language and context. Parents should note the book sensitively addresses slavery and racial inequality.
Why we rated Between the devil and the sea 9MS
Between the devil and the sea is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 125 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Between the devil and the sea works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Between the devil and the sea as 9MS ("Moderate — Social") because the content sits in the "Mild" range — mild conflict — the kind a child encounters in normal play and sibling life. The strongest signals come from social complexity — 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 mild intensity score.
Thematically, Between the devil and the sea explores historical, biography, social justice, african american history, 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.
- ✓ Readers ready to talk through themes after they finish — there's enough substance for a meaningful conversation.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about historical, biography, 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
9MS — Moderate — SocialLight 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
- 0152069658
- Pages
- 125
- Publisher
- Houghton Mifflin Harcourt P
- Published
- 1974
- Type
- Nonfiction