Determination
Kathleen J. Edgar
Determination
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Kathleen J. Edgar
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.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
Determination can change the world—and these 20 extraordinary people prove it! From inventors to leaders, their stories show how never giving up leads to amazing achievements. Discover why their unstoppable spirit still inspires us today.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This collection features twenty brief biographies of notable men and women whose lives exemplify determination as a key value. Suitable for middle-grade readers, it highlights perseverance and character traits important for personal growth. The book offers positive role models without intense content, making it appropriate for ages 9-12.
Why we rated Determination 9C
Determination is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 136 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Determination works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Determination 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, Determination explores biography, determination, and values — 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 biography, determination, values.
- ✓ 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
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Value of Determination
Spencer Johnson
Value of Determination
Spencer Johnson
Determiner
Jean Knight Pace
Determiner
Jean Knight Pace
Thomas Edison
Kaitlin Scirri
Thomas Edison
Kaitlin Scirri
Achievement and motivation
Ann K. Boggiano, Thane S. Pittman
Achievement and motivation
Ann K. Boggiano, Thane S. Pittman
People to Know
Joan D. Dickinson
People to Know
Joan D. Dickinson
25 Women Who Dared to Go
Allison Lassieur
25 Women Who Dared to Go
Allison Lassieur
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 1592030572
- Pages
- 136
- Publisher
- Learning Challenge
- Published
- 2003
- Type
- Nonfiction