Foster's War
Carolyn Reeder
Foster's War
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Carolyn Reeder
The text is written at a 6th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for teens (ages 13+), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.
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About This Book
Did you know that sometimes the biggest battles happen right at home? Eleven-year-old Foster faces a storm of emotions and family secrets while his brother is away at war. But that's only the beginning.
Themes
Quick Assessment
Set during World War II, this novel follows an eleven-year-old boy named Foster who navigates family struggles and personal growth while his older brother fights overseas. Suitable for middle-grade readers and young teens, the story explores themes of family conflict, war, and resilience without graphic content.
Why we rated Foster's War 11ME
Foster's War is written at a Level 6 reading level across 272 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Foster's War works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Foster's War as 11ME ("Moderate — Emotional") 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 emotional weight — 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, Foster's War explores family, world war, coming of age, and historical — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 13+ 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 family, world war, coming of age.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11ME — Moderate — 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
4/10Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780590098564
- Pages
- 272
- Publisher
- Scholastic Inc.
- Published
- November 1, 2000
- Type
- Fiction