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Crossing the Colorado Rockies, 1864

Laurie Lawlor

Cover of Crossing the Colorado Rockies, 1864

Crossing the Colorado Rockies, 1864

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Laurie Lawlor

Reading Level 6 11LE Ages 9-12 Balanced Read

The text is written at a 6th 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

The cold wind bites as the horses stumble over rocky trails. The Hitchcock sisters clutch their worn blankets, eyes wide with fear and hope. Suddenly, a shadow looms—what danger awaits on this treacherous mountain path?

Themes

SistersFrontier and pioneer lifeIndians of North AmericaChristian lifeRocky MountainsFamilyComing of Age

Quick Assessment

Set in 1864, this middle-grade historical fiction follows the Hitchcock family as they journey through the Colorado Rockies in search of gold. The story explores pioneer life, cultural encounters with Native Americans, and Christian values, while addressing themes of family and overcoming prejudice. Suitable for readers ages 9-12, it offers a thoughtful look at frontier challenges without intense content.

Why we rated Crossing the Colorado Rockies, 1864 11LE

Crossing the Colorado Rockies, 1864 is written at a Level 6 reading level across 211 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Crossing the Colorado Rockies, 1864 works for readers up to grade 8.0.

We rate Crossing the Colorado Rockies, 1864 as 11LE ("Light — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Mild" range — mild conflict — the kind a child encounters in normal play and sibling life. Across our four dimensions (emotional, physical, social, thematic) the book reads as evenly mild; no single dimension stands out as a concern.

No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the mild intensity score.

Thematically, Crossing the Colorado Rockies, 1864 explores sisters, frontier and pioneer life, indians of north america, christian life, and rocky mountains — 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 sisters, frontier and pioneer life, indians of north america.

Maybe not for

  • ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.

For Parents

Content Intensity

11LE — Light — Emotional
Emotional
Light
Physical
Light
Social
Light
Thematic
Light

Light conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.

Data confidence: standard

Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?

Reading Insights

Hook Factor

1/10

A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.

Discussion Potential

3/10

A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

Vocabulary Level
5
Emotional Weight
4
Theme Richness
7
World Scope
3
Data Confidence
7

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Details

Book Length

211 pages
ISBN
0671015540
Pages
211
Publisher
Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books
Published
1999
Type
Fiction

Genres

Subjects

SistersFrontier and Pioneer LifeIndians of North AmericaChristian LifeRocky MountainsColoradoColorado, History

Places

Rocky Mountains