What reading level is John Adams?

John Adams by Jane H. Gould is at a Level 4-5 reading level. Recommended for Middle Grades readers (Ages 9-12).

What age is John Adams appropriate for?

John Adams is recommended for Ages 9-12. HootRating: 9IP (Intense — Physical). Content flags: Death of Major Character, Physical Danger, Illness & Injury, Substance Use.

What genre is John Adams?

John Adams is nonfiction — Juvenile Nonfiction. Part of the Jr. Graphic Founding Fathers; PowerKids Press series.

Does John Adams have any content warnings?

John Adams has a HootRating of 9IP (Intense — Physical). Content flags include: Death of Major Character, Physical Danger, Illness & Injury, Substance Use. On HootRated, every book is rated across four dimensions — emotional, physical, social, and thematic — to help parents make informed choices.

How many pages is John Adams?

John Adams by Jane H. Gould is 24 pages (approximately 2,191 words).

Reviewed by HootRated editorial · Last updated May 18, 2026

John Adams

Jane H. Gould

John Adams

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Jane H. Gould

Jr. Graphic Founding Fathers; PowerKids Press

Reading Level 4-5 9IP 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.

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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 9IP

John Adams is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 24 pages (approximately 2,191 words). Strong independent readers around grade 5.3 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, John Adams works for readers up to grade 6.3.

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

We rate John Adams as 9IP ("Intense — 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 9-12 — the content intensity is above what most younger kids can process comfortably.
! Children currently coping with grief — the themes may hit close to home.