Fire by night
Loree Lough
Fire by night
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
The Great Fire Devastates Boston
by Loree Lough
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
The crackling of flames fills the night as smoke curls into the dark sky, carrying the scent of burning wood and hope. In the heart of 1630s Boston, thirteen-year-old Phillip feels the heat of a fierce hurricane and a roaring fire threaten everything he loves. Through the chaos, his family's faith becomes a steady light in the darkness.
Themes
Quick Assessment
Set in 1630s Boston, this middle-grade novel follows thirteen-year-old Phillip and his family as they face the challenges of a hurricane and a destructive fire. The story emphasizes resilience, faith, and family bonds during difficult times. Suitable for ages 9-12, it offers historical insights with a focus on Christian life and community.
Why we rated Fire by night 9LE
Fire by night is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 137 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Fire by night works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Fire by night as 9LE ("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, Fire by night explores family, historical, christian life, and resilience — 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 family, historical, christian life.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9LE — Light — EmotionalLight 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
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0791050440
- Pages
- 137
- Publisher
- Chelsea House Publications
- Published
- 1998
- Type
- Fiction