Dan
Dave Sargent
Dan
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
(Dappled Mahogany Bay) Determination
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 you could step back in time to the year 1775, when the world was about to change forever? Imagine meeting Dan, a brave horse caught in the middle of a great revolution, where loyalty is tested and every choice matters. Will Dan find a way to help shape history or get lost in the chaos?
Quick Assessment
This early reader book introduces young children to the historical period of the American Revolution through the eyes of Dan, a horse who experiences loyalty and challenges during 1775-1783. Suitable for ages 5 to 8, it blends fiction with historical themes, helping children understand important values like courage and friendship. The story is gentle with no intense conflict, making it appropriate for early readers interested in history and animals.
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, revolution, and family — 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
2/10A 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
- 9781567636529
- Pages
- 36
- Publisher
- Ozark Publishing
- Published
- May 2001
- Type
- Fiction