Bisbee '17
Robert Houston
Bisbee '17
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
a novel
by Robert Houston
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
The clang of pickaxes echoes through the dusty streets of Bisbee, while the sharp scent of copper fills the air. Miners and sheriffs face off in a fierce battle for justice and survival. Amid the chaos, Elizabeth tries to find where her heart belongs — but the struggle is far from over.
Quick Assessment
Set in 1917 Bisbee, Arizona, this historical fiction novel explores the intense copper miners' strike through vivid storytelling and complex characters. It introduces readers to the labor movement and social tensions of the era, suitable for ages 9-12 with some mature themes of conflict and social justice. Parents should note the depiction of class struggle and interpersonal relationships within a historical context.
Why we rated Bisbee '17 11MT
Bisbee '17 is written at a Level 6 reading level across 287 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Bisbee '17 works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Bisbee '17 as 11MT ("Moderate — Thematic") because the content sits in the "Moderate" range — moderate conflict that may involve loss, scary scenes, or interpersonal stakes. The strongest signals come from emotional weight, physical peril, social complexity, thematic difficulty — 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 moderate intensity score.
Thematically, Bisbee '17 explores historical, social justice, family, adventure, and friendship — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers. Each of these themes is concrete enough to seed a real conversation, not just a moral lesson.
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, social justice, family.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers who get easily upset by emotional or moderately dark scenes — the conflict here is real, not just background flavor.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11MT — Moderate — ThematicReal stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.
Was our "Moderate" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
2/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
5/10Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0394500814
- Pages
- 287
- Publisher
- University of Arizona Press
- Published
- 1979
- Type
- Fiction