Dan
Dave Sargent
Dan
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Dave Sargent
Illustrated by Jane Lenoir
The text is written at a 2nd grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for younger children (ages 5–8), and the content is gentle with no concerning themes.
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About This Book
What if one horse held the fate of a nation on his strong, steady back? Picture the night air thick with tension as a dappled bay horse races through the countryside, carrying a secret message that could change history. Will the patriots be ready in time?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This historical fiction picture book tells the story of a loyal horse who carries Paul Revere on his famous midnight ride to warn patriots of the approaching British troops. Suitable for early readers ages 5 to 8, it introduces young children to an important moment in American history with accessible language and engaging storytelling. The book contains no content concerns and emphasizes themes of loyalty and bravery.
Why we rated Dan 7C
Dan is written at a Level 2 reading level across 36 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 3.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Dan works for readers up to grade 4.0.
We rate Dan as 7C ("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, Dan explores history, horses, loyalty, bravery, and juvenile fiction — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 5-8 range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about history, horses, loyalty.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
7C — 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
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781567636512
- Pages
- 36
- Publisher
- Ozark Publications
- Published
- May 2001
- Type
- Fiction