Great Depression and New Deal.
Sharon M. Hanes
Great Depression and New Deal.
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Sharon M. Hanes
The text is written at a 6th 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 sharp whistle of the wind carries the dust from dry fields, and the smell of rain promises relief from endless drought. Across towns and cities, families face empty cupboards and long lines, hoping for a brighter tomorrow. Feel the weight of hope and hardship as the country fights to rise again.
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade nonfiction book offers a clear and engaging overview of the Great Depression and the New Deal era in the United States. It includes historical context, key events, and explanations suitable for ages 9-12, with an emphasis on economic hardship and government response. The content is appropriate for this age group and presents complex history in an accessible way without graphic or distressing details.
Why we rated Great Depression and New Deal. 11LE
Great Depression and New Deal. is written at a Level 6 reading level across 278 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Great Depression and New Deal. works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Great Depression and New Deal. as 11LE ("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, Great Depression and New Deal. explores historical, social justice, and family — 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 historical, social justice, family.
- ✓ Curious kids who prefer real-world topics over made-up stories.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11LE — 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
4/10Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780787665333
- Pages
- 278
- Publisher
- UXL
- Published
- 2003
- Type
- Nonfiction