Heart Calls Home (Obi and Easter Trilogy)

Joyce Hansen

Cover of Heart Calls Home (Obi and Easter Trilogy)

Heart Calls Home (Obi and Easter Trilogy)

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Joyce Hansen

Reading Level 4-5 Moderate (Lvl 3) Ages 9-12 Matched

The text is written at a 4th 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

Obi Booker isn’t just any soldier—he’s a former slave who bravely fought to change history. Now, he’s heading back to South Carolina with his heart full of hope and a dream to build a new life with Easter. But can freedom truly bring peace when the past still lingers?

Themes

African American ExperienceFamilyHistorical FictionComing of Age

Quick Assessment

This middle-grade historical fiction follows Obi Booker, a former slave and Union officer, as he returns to South Carolina after the Civil War to start anew with Easter. The story explores themes of resilience, family, and the challenges of rebuilding life during Reconstruction. Suitable for ages 9-12, it provides an accessible look at African American history with sensitive treatment of complex social changes.

For Parents

Content Intensity

Level 3 — Moderate
Gentle Mild Moderate Intense Very Intense

Real stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.

Content Flags

Loss & Grief Historical Conflict Family Change
Data confidence: standard

Was our "Moderate" content intensity rating accurate for this book?

Reading Insights

Hook Factor

1/10

A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.

Discussion Potential

6/10

Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

Vocabulary Level
4
Emotional Weight
6
Theme Richness
7
World Scope
1
Data Confidence
7

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Details

Book Length

176 pages
ISBN
9780606244626
Pages
176
Publisher
Turtleback Books
Published
January 2002
Type
Fiction

Genres

Subjects

EthnicAfrican AmericanFamilyHistoricalUnited StatesPeople & PlacesAfrican-AmericanYoung Adult Fiction