Breaking ground, breaking silence
Joyce Hansen
Breaking ground, breaking silence
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
The Story of New York's African Burial Ground
by Joyce Hansen
The text is written at a 8th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for teens (ages 13+), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.
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About This Book
When ancient graves are uncovered beneath the streets of New York, a team of archaeologists unearths a powerful story of the city's first African American community. This journey into the past reveals the lives and struggles of enslaved and free Black people in colonial times, blending history with the science of excavation to bring forgotten voices back to life. Readers will discover how uncovering these burial grounds sheds light on a vital yet hidden chapter of American history.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This is a Level 8-9 book with mild content intensity. It's a Sweet Spot read — challenging text with gentle themes, ideal for advanced or 2e readers. Content themes include historical violence, loss & grief. Written for readers ages 13+.
For Parents
Content Intensity
Level 2 — MildLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Content Flags
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
3/10A 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
- 0805050124
- Pages
- 130
- Publisher
- Macmillan
- Published
- 1998
- Type
- Nonfiction
- Word Count
- 21,283
- Read-Aloud
- ~2h 22m
- Text Density
- Standard