Hang for treason
Robert Newton Peck
Hang for treason
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Robert Newton Peck
The text is written at a 6th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content has moderate intensity with some emotionally heavy themes.
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About This Book
Ethan Allen wasn’t just a hero—he was a fearless leader who stood up for what he believed in, even when it meant going against his own family. When a Vermont boy joins the Green Mountain Boys, he finds himself caught between loyalty and rebellion. This story shows why courage can change history.
Quick Assessment
Set during the early days of the American Revolutionary War, this historical fiction novel follows a Vermont boy who becomes involved with Ethan Allen and the Green Mountain Boys despite his father's Loyalist views. Suitable for middle-grade readers, the story explores themes of loyalty, courage, and the complexities of family during turbulent times. Parents should note the historical conflict and moderate tension related to war and political divisions.
Why we rated Hang for treason 11ME
Hang for treason is written at a Level 6 reading level across 232 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Hang for treason works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Hang for treason as 11ME ("Moderate — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Moderate" range — moderate conflict that may involve loss, scary scenes, or interpersonal stakes. The strongest signals come from emotional weight, physical peril — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Fear & Anxiety, Divorce & Family Change, Mild Peril.
Thematically, Hang for treason explores historical, adventure, coming of age, and family — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers. Each of these themes is concrete enough to seed a real conversation, not just a moral lesson.
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, adventure, coming of age.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers who get easily upset by emotional or moderately dark scenes — the conflict here is real, not just background flavor.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11ME — Moderate — EmotionalReal stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.
Content Flags
Was our "Moderate" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
2/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
6/10Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0385073372
- Pages
- 232
- Publisher
- Doubleday Books
- Published
- 1976
- Type
- Fiction