John Adams

Name: John Adams
Author: Jane H. Gould
ISBN: 9781448878994

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Jane H. Gould

Jr. Graphic Founding Fathers; PowerKids Press

Reading Level 4-5 IP · Intense · Physical Ages 9-12 Heads Up Page-Turner

The text is written at a 4th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), 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

Discover the fascinating journey of John Adams, the man who helped shape America as its first vice president and second president. Experience his challenges and triumphs through vivid storytelling and engaging illustrations that bring history to life for young readers. Dive into the exciting world of early America and learn about the people and events that built a nation.

Themes

PresidentsBiographyHistorical Adventure

Quick Assessment

This is a Level 4-5 book with intense content intensity. Content themes include death of major character, physical danger, illness & injury. Written for readers ages 9-12.

Why we rated John Adams IP (Intense)

John Adams is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 24 pages (approximately 2,191 words). Reading-wise, most kids in grade 5 and up can manage John Adams on their own.

Read aloud, John Adams takes about 15 minutes, which fits within a single read-aloud session.

We rate John Adams 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, social complexity — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.

Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Death of Major Character, Physical Danger, Illness & Injury, Substance Use.

Thematically, John Adams explores presidents, biography, historical, and adventure — 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.
✓ 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 presidents, biography, historical.
✓ Readers who fall hard for one book and want a long series to live in — there are 5 more books in the Jr. Graphic Founding Fathers; 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 9 — the content intensity is above what most younger kids can process comfortably.
! Children currently coping with grief — the themes may hit close to home.

For Parents

Content Intensity

IP · Intense · Physical

Emotional

Gentle

Physical

Intense ←

Social

Intense

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.