Harriet Tubman
Ann Lane Petry
Harriet Tubman
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
Conductor on the Underground Railroad
by Ann Lane Petry
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
Harriet Tubman didn’t just escape slavery—she risked everything to become a hero who led over 300 people to freedom! Her bravery changed history and shows how one person’s courage can light the way for many.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle grade biography presents a compelling and accessible portrait of Harriet Tubman, an iconic figure in American history who escaped slavery and became a key conductor on the Underground Railroad. Suitable for ages 9-12, the book includes additional educational materials such as a timeline, discussion questions, and extension activities to support learning. It offers a thoughtful exploration of Tubman’s life, courage, and legacy without graphic content, making it appropriate for middle grade readers.
Why we rated Harriet Tubman 11LS
Harriet Tubman is written at a Level 6 reading level across 257 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Harriet Tubman works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Harriet Tubman as 11LS ("Light — Social") 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, Harriet Tubman explores african american history, abolition, courage, freedom, and biography — 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 african american history, abolition, courage.
- ✓ 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
11LS — Light — 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
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780062691309
- Pages
- 257
- Publisher
- Amistad
- Published
- 2018
- Type
- Nonfiction