I Thought My Soul Would Rise and Fly
Joyce Hansen
I Thought My Soul Would Rise and Fly
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
The Diary of Patsy, a Freed Girl
by Joyce Hansen
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
The sharp scent of smoke and fresh earth fills the air as Patsy writes in her diary, capturing every change and challenge after the war. She feels the weight of freedom mixed with the heavy shadows of the past, trying to find her place in a world that’s both new and uncertain. Her story is a quiet journey of hope, courage, and the search for belonging.
Quick Assessment
Set in the turbulent period following the Civil War, this middle-grade historical fiction follows twelve-year-old Patsy as she navigates the complexities of newfound freedom for former slaves. Through her diary entries, readers gain insight into the social and emotional challenges of the era. Appropriate for ages 9-12, the book sensitively explores themes of history, identity, and resilience without graphic content.
For Parents
Content Intensity
Level 2 — MildLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Content Flags
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
4/10Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781595194695
- Pages
- 212
- Publisher
- Live Oak Media
- Published
- June 2005
- Type
- Fiction