Harriet Tubman

Name: Harriet Tubman
Author: Susan K. Baumann
ISBN: 9781477713129

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Susan K. Baumann

Jr. Graphic African-American History; PowerKids Press

Reading Level 3-4 IP · Intense · Physical Ages 5-8 Heads Up Page-Turner

The text is written at a 3rd grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for younger children (ages 5–8), and the content is intense and may include graphic or distressing scenes. Its HootRating code, IP, means intense content, mostly physical.

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About This Book

Journey alongside Harriet Tubman as she bravely breaks free from slavery and embarks on daring missions to guide others to safety. Through vivid illustrations and a compelling timeline, young readers will discover the courage and determination that shaped history.

Themes

African American WomenUnderground RailroadHistoryCourageFreedomGraphic Novels

Quick Assessment

This is a Level 3-4 book with intense content intensity. Note: content intensity (Intense) exceeds what the reading level might suggest. Content themes include child abuse, domestic violence, sexual assault. Written for readers ages 5-8.

Why we rated Harriet Tubman IP (Intense)

Harriet Tubman is written at a Level 3-4 reading level across 24 pages (approximately 1,723 words). Reading-wise, most kids in grade 5 and up can manage Harriet Tubman on their own.

Read aloud, Harriet Tubman takes about 11 minutes, which fits within a single read-aloud session.

We rate Harriet Tubman as IP (Intense, mostly physical) because the content sits in the "Intense" range — intense conflict including peril, frightening scenes, or emotionally heavy themes. The strongest signals come from physical peril — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.

Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Child Abuse, Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, Torture, Physical Danger, Animal Death, Vomiting, Spitting.

Thematically, Harriet Tubman explores african american women, underground railroad, history, courage, and freedom — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.

Good fit for

✓ Children in the Ages 5-8 range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
✓ Reluctant readers who need fast-paced, hook-heavy stories to stay engaged.
✓ Readers ready to talk through themes after they finish — there's enough substance for a meaningful conversation.
✓ Kids drawn to stories about african american women, underground railroad, history.
✓ Readers who fall hard for one book and want a long series to live in — there is one more book in the Jr. Graphic African-American History; PowerKids Press series.
✓ Curious kids who prefer real-world topics over made-up stories.

Maybe not for

! Sensitive readers who get overwhelmed by intense conflict or scary scenes.
! Children younger than 5 — the content intensity is above what most younger kids can process comfortably.
! Children who are sensitive to violence, even when handled at age-appropriate levels.
! Children currently coping with grief — the themes may hit close to home.
! Readers whose emotional readiness lags behind their decoding skills — this book's intensity outruns its reading level, a classic reading-level-vs-content mismatch.

For Parents

Content Intensity

IP · Intense · Physical

Emotional

Gentle

Physical

Intense ←

Social

Gentle

Thematic

Gentle

Reading the HootRating code: the first letter is the content intensity (C = Gentle · L = Mild · M = Moderate · I = Intense · V = Very Intense); the second, when there is one, is the kind of content that drives it (E = Emotional · P = Physical · S = Social · T = Thematic). Reading level and age range are rated separately. How we rate

Heavy themes explored in depth. War, death, abuse addressed directly.