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I Survived the American Revolution, 1776 (I Survived #15)

Lauren Tarshis

Cover of I Survived the American Revolution, 1776 (I Survived #15)

I Survived the American Revolution, 1776 (I Survived #15)

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Lauren Tarshis

Reading Level 4-5 9ME 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

Bullets whistle past as Nathaniel scrambles through the chaos of battle, heart pounding and breath ragged. At just eleven, he never imagined war could be this close, this terrifying. But when his uncle's anger sends him fleeing into the fray, Nate must decide—stay hidden, or face the fight head-on?

Quick Assessment

This middle-grade historical fiction novel follows eleven-year-old Nathaniel Fox during the American Revolution, highlighting his survival in a dangerous, war-torn environment. The story provides an engaging perspective on this pivotal time in history, suitable for readers aged 9 to 12, with themes of resilience and courage amid conflict. Parents should note scenes of battle and conflict typical of wartime settings, though these are presented in an age-appropriate manner.

Why we rated I Survived the American Revolution, 1776 (I Survived #15) 9ME

I Survived the American Revolution, 1776 (I Survived #15) is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 107 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, I Survived the American Revolution, 1776 (I Survived #15) works for readers up to grade 6.5.

We rate I Survived the American Revolution, 1776 (I Survived #15) as 9ME ("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.

No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the moderate intensity score.

Thematically, I Survived the American Revolution, 1776 (I Survived #15) explores adventure, historical, survival, 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 adventure, historical, survival.

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

9ME — Moderate — Emotional
Emotional
Moderate
Physical
Moderate
Social
Light
Thematic
Light

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

Data confidence: standard

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

Reading Insights

Hook Factor

2/10

A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.

Discussion Potential

5/10

Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

Vocabulary Level
4
Emotional Weight
6
Theme Richness
5
World Scope
1
Data Confidence
7

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Details

Book Length

107 pages
ISBN
9780545919753
Pages
107
Publisher
Scholastic Inc.
Published
2017-08-29
Type
Fiction

Genres

Subjects

Action & AdventureSurvival Stories