Facing the Enemy
Dean Hughes
Facing the Enemy
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Dean Hughes
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 mild with minimal sensitive material.
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About This Book
Joseph clutches his jacket as angry voices rise around him in the dusty streets of Far West. The old settlers are shouting, and the air feels thick with danger. Will Joseph and his family have to leave their new home before they even settle in?
Themes
Quick Assessment
Set in the Mormon community of Far West, Missouri, this middle-grade novel follows sixteen-year-old Joseph Williams as he navigates increasing tensions between settlers and Mormons. The story addresses themes of religious conflict and community challenges appropriate for ages 9-12, without graphic content. It provides a thoughtful look at faith and resilience in the face of adversity.
Why we rated Facing the Enemy 9MS
Facing the Enemy is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 143 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Facing the Enemy works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Facing the Enemy as 9MS ("Moderate — Social") because the content sits in the "Mild" range — mild conflict — the kind a child encounters in normal play and sibling life. The strongest signals come from social complexity — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the mild intensity score.
Thematically, Facing the Enemy explores religious themes, coming of age, family, and historical — 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.
- ✓ Readers ready to talk through themes after they finish — there's enough substance for a meaningful conversation.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about religious themes, coming of age, family.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9MS — Moderate — SocialLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
4/10Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780875794983
- Pages
- 143
- Publisher
- Shadow Mountain
- Published
- July 1991
- Type
- Fiction