Hero of the high seas
Michael L. Cooper
Hero of the high seas
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Michael L. Cooper
The text is written at a 7th 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
Journey back to the time of the American Revolution and discover the daring adventures of John Paul Jones, a brave Scots immigrant who became a naval hero. Experience the thrilling battles on the high seas as he leads his crew against mighty foes and earns his place in history. Richly illustrated with historic art and rare artifacts, this tale brings a legendary figure to life for young readers.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This is a Level 7-8 book with mild content intensity. Content themes include mild peril, historical conflict. Written for readers ages 9-12.
Why we rated Hero of the high seas 12LP
Hero of the high seas is written at a Level 7-8 reading level across 136 pages (approximately 14,759 words). Strong independent readers around grade 8.6 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Hero of the high seas works for readers up to grade 9.6.
Read aloud, Hero of the high seas runs about 1.6 hours — long enough to span several bedtime sessions.
We rate Hero of the high seas as 12LP ("Light — Physical") 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.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Mild Peril, Historical Conflict.
Thematically, Hero of the high seas explores historical, adventure, biography, coming of age, 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.
- ✓ Readers who like a steady plot with enough momentum to keep pages turning.
- ✓ Readers ready to talk through themes after they finish — there's enough substance for a meaningful conversation.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about historical, adventure, biography.
- ✓ Curious kids who prefer real-world topics over made-up stories.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers whose emotional readiness lags behind their decoding skills — this book's intensity outruns its reading level, a classic "gifted kid" mismatch.
For Parents
Content Intensity
12LP — Light — PhysicalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Content Flags
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
5/10Engaging read with solid pacing and interesting themes.
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
- 079225547X
- Pages
- 136
- Publisher
- National Geographic Books
- Published
- 2006
- Type
- Nonfiction
- Word Count
- 14,759
- Read-Aloud
- ~1h 38m
- Text Density
- Light Text