Chester A. Arthur
Dan Elish
Chester A. Arthur
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
America's 21st President
by Dan Elish
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 gentle with no concerning themes.
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About This Book
The snap of a tailored coat and the quiet shuffle of polished shoes fill the air as a young boy steps into the bustling world of 19th-century America. Imagine the smell of ink on official papers and the weight of big decisions resting on one man’s shoulders. What does it take to rise from humble beginnings to become the President of the United States? Feel the pride and challenge in every step of Chester A. Arthur’s journey.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This biography introduces readers ages 9-12 to Chester A. Arthur, the 21st President of the United States, highlighting his life and career in an accessible, engaging way appropriate for middle-grade readers. The book combines historical facts with vivid storytelling to provide insight into Arthur’s presidency and personal growth. It is suitable for educational use and young readers interested in American history.
Why we rated Chester A. Arthur 9C
Chester A. Arthur is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 110 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Chester A. Arthur works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Chester A. Arthur as 9C ("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, Chester A. Arthur explores presidents, biography, and historical — 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 presidents, biography, historical.
- ✓ Curious kids who prefer real-world topics over made-up stories.
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
9C — ClearNo conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Safe for sensitive readers.
Was our "Gentle" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780516229614
- Pages
- 110
- Publisher
- Children's Press(CT)
- Published
- 2004
- Type
- Nonfiction