Matthew Henson (Black Americans of Achievement)
Michael Gilman
Matthew Henson (Black Americans of Achievement)
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Michael Gilman
The text is written at a 4th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for teens (ages 13+), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.
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About This Book
What if you could journey to the coldest place on Earth, where no one had ever been before? Imagine braving icy winds and endless snow to discover the North Pole alongside a brave explorer named Matthew Henson. But what challenges did he face beyond the frozen tundra, and how did his courage change history forever?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This biography introduces young readers to Matthew Henson, the African American explorer who played a key role in the 1909 discovery of the North Pole alongside Robert E. Peary. Suitable for ages 13-18, it highlights themes of exploration, perseverance, and historical achievement while providing context on racial challenges of the era. The book is appropriate for middle to high school readers interested in history and biographies of notable people of color.
Why we rated Matthew Henson (Black Americans of Achievement) 9LS
Matthew Henson (Black Americans of Achievement) is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 144 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Matthew Henson (Black Americans of Achievement) works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Matthew Henson (Black Americans of Achievement) as 9LS ("Light — Social") 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.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the mild intensity score.
Thematically, Matthew Henson (Black Americans of Achievement) explores history - exploration & discovery, biography, people of color, adventure, and coming of age — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 13+ range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about history - exploration & discovery, biography, people of color.
- ✓ Curious kids who prefer real-world topics over made-up stories.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9LS — Light — SocialLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
2/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780791002070
- Pages
- 144
- Publisher
- Chelsea House Pub
- Published
- October 1988
- Type
- Nonfiction