Johnny Tremain

Esther Forbes

Cover of Johnny Tremain

Johnny Tremain

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Esther Forbes

Reading Level 7 Intense (Lvl 4) Ages 9-12 Matched

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 intense and may include graphic or distressing scenes.

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About This Book

Johnny's hands tremble as the hot silver slips from the forge, threatening to burn him. Suddenly, chaos erupts outside—soldiers are marching, and whispers of rebellion fill the air. What will Johnny do when his world is turned upside down?

Themes

Action & AdventureHistorical - United States - ColonialClassicsComing of AgeFamilySocial Justice

Quick Assessment

Set in Revolutionary War-era Boston, this classic novel follows Johnny Tremain, a young apprentice silversmith whose life changes dramatically as he becomes involved with key patriots. While suitable for middle-grade readers, parents should note mature themes including violence, death, and domestic abuse, which are portrayed within a historical context. The story offers rich historical insight but contains some intense scenes that may require parental guidance.

For Parents

Content Intensity

Level 4 — Intense
Gentle Mild Moderate Intense Very Intense

Heavy themes explored in depth. War, death, abuse addressed directly.

Content Flags

Death Domestic Violence Physical Injury Mutilation Stalking Sacrifice Breathing Difficulty Animal Death Hanging Shaving/Cutting
Data confidence: standard

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

Reading Insights

Hook Factor

1/10

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
6
Emotional Weight
8
Theme Richness
10
World Scope
10
Data Confidence
7

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Details

Book Length

336 pages
ISBN
9780613983211
Pages
336
Publisher
Turtleback Books
Published
April 1987
Type
Fiction

Genres

Boston (Mass.)

Subjects

Action & AdventureClassicsHistoricalUnited StatesColonialSocial Life and CustomsNewbery MedalRevolutionStudy and TeachingAmerican Revolutionfastfst01351668American LiteratureBoston Tea Party, 1773Reading Level-Grade 9Reading Level-Grade 8Reading Level-Grade 11Reading Level-Grade 10Reading Level-Grade 12Large Type BooksBostonNewbery Medal BooksHistorical Fiction1775-1783MassachusettsBoysAward:Newbery_awardSilversmithsApprenticesHandWounds and InjuriesAmerican Revolutionfastfst01351668http://id.worldcat.org/fast/fst01351668

Places

United StatesBoston (Mass.)