City 1
Gregg Rosenblum
City 1
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Gregg Rosenblum
Revolution 19
The text is written at a 5th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for teens (ages 13+), and the content has moderate intensity with some emotionally heavy themes.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
Nick, Kevin, and Cass reunite at a rebel camp determined to reclaim their city from robot control and rescue their parents. As they confront the ruthless General Clay, tough choices test their loyalty and courage in a fight where freedom comes at a high cost. Their bond and bravery are put to the ultimate test in this thrilling sci-fi conclusion.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This is a Level 5-6 book with moderate content intensity. Content themes include physical danger, fantasy violence, emotional: family change. Written for readers ages 13+.
Why we rated City 1 10MP
City 1 is written at a Level 5-6 reading level across 282 pages (approximately 59,482 words). Strong independent readers around grade 6.3 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, City 1 works for readers up to grade 7.3.
Read aloud, City 1 runs about 6.6 hours — long enough to span several bedtime sessions.
We rate City 1 as 10MP ("Moderate — Physical") because the content sits in the "Moderate" range — moderate conflict that may involve loss, scary scenes, or interpersonal stakes. The strongest signals come from physical peril — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Physical Danger, Fantasy Violence, Emotional: Family Change.
Thematically, City 1 explores science & nature, family, survival, adventure, and robots — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 13+ range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Readers who like a steady plot with enough momentum to keep pages turning.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about science & nature, family, survival.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers who get easily upset by emotional or moderately dark scenes — the conflict here is real, not just background flavor.
- ! Children who are sensitive to violence, even when handled at age-appropriate levels.
For Parents
Content Intensity
10MP — Moderate — PhysicalReal stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.
Content Flags
Was our "Moderate" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
5/10Engaging read with solid pacing and interesting themes.
Discussion Potential
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Pig City
Jonathan Mary-Todd
Pig City
Jonathan Mary-Todd
Boy robot
Simon Curtis
Boy robot
Simon Curtis
City of Strangers
Robert Barnard
City of Strangers
Robert Barnard
City cop
Fred J. Cook
City cop
Fred J. Cook
City Boy
Herman Wouk
City Boy
Herman Wouk
City of one
Colette DeDonato
City of one
Colette DeDonato
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780062126016
- Pages
- 282
- Publisher
- HarperTeen
- Published
- 2015
- Type
- Fiction
- Word Count
- 59,482
- Read-Aloud
- ~6h 37m
- Text Density
- Standard