Lewis & Clark
Nick Bertozzi
Lewis & Clark
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Nick Bertozzi
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 gentle with no concerning themes.
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About This Book
The canoe cuts through the rushing river as Lewis and Clark navigate unknown waters. Suddenly, a shadow looms ahead—what dangers await on this wild expedition? The journey west has only just begun.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This graphic novel brings the historic Lewis and Clark expedition to life through engaging illustrations and accessible storytelling, suitable for readers aged 9-12. It offers an adventurous look at early American exploration, emphasizing discovery and teamwork without intense violence or mature themes.
Why we rated Lewis & Clark 9C
Lewis & Clark is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 136 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Lewis & Clark works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Lewis & Clark as 9C ("Clear") because the content sits in the "Gentle" range — no conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Across our four dimensions (emotional, physical, social, thematic) the book reads as evenly gentle; no single dimension stands out as a concern.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the gentle intensity score.
Thematically, Lewis & Clark explores adventure, explorers, historical, graphic novel, and friendship — 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.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about adventure, explorers, historical.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers whose emotional readiness lags behind their decoding skills — this book's intensity outruns its reading level, a classic "gifted kid" mismatch.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9C — ClearNo conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Safe for sensitive readers.
Was our "Gentle" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
2/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781596434509
- Pages
- 136
- Publisher
- First Second Books
- Published
- 2011
- Type
- Fiction