King's mountain
G. Clifton Wisler
King's mountain
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by G. Clifton Wisler
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 mild with minimal sensitive material.
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About This Book
At just fourteen, Frank sets out from his mountain home in South Carolina to join the fight for freedom in the Revolutionary War. His courageous journey reveals the challenges and hopes of the Patriot cause during a pivotal time in American history.
Quick Assessment
This is a Level 4-5 book with mild content intensity. Content themes include mild peril, historical conflict. Written for readers ages 9-12.
Why we rated King's mountain 9LP
King's mountain is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 154 pages (approximately 35,204 words). Strong independent readers around grade 5.8 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, King's mountain works for readers up to grade 6.8.
Read aloud, King's mountain runs about 3.9 hours — long enough to span several bedtime sessions.
We rate King's mountain as 9LP ("Light — Physical") because the content sits in the "Mild" range — mild conflict — the kind a child encounters in normal play and sibling life. Across our four dimensions (emotional, physical, social, thematic) the book reads as evenly mild; no single dimension stands out as a concern.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Mild Peril, Historical Conflict.
Thematically, King's mountain explores historical, adventure, coming of age, and family — 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.
- ✓ Readers ready to talk through themes after they finish — there's enough substance for a meaningful conversation.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about historical, adventure, coming of age.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers looking for something heavier — this is a gentle, low-stakes story by design.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9LP — Light — PhysicalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Content Flags
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
3/10A 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
- 0688178138
- Pages
- 154
- Publisher
- HarperCollins Publishers
- Published
- 2002
- Type
- Fiction
- Word Count
- 35,204
- Read-Aloud
- ~3h 55m
- Text Density
- Standard