Morning Star, Black Sun
Brent K. Ashabranner
Morning Star, Black Sun
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
The Northern Cheyenne Indians and America's Energy Crisis
by Brent K. Ashabranner
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
There’s a secret about the Northern Cheyenne people and their land that most don’t know. They’ve been fighting to protect their home from powerful coal companies that want to take it away. But that’s only the beginning.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This historical fiction novel explores the struggles of the Northern Cheyenne tribe as they confront the U.S. government and coal mining companies threatening their land. Suitable for readers aged 9-12, it provides insight into Native American history and environmental issues with sensitivity. Parents should note themes of conflict and cultural preservation presented in an age-appropriate manner.
Why we rated Morning Star, Black Sun 9LP
Morning Star, Black Sun is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 154 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Morning Star, Black Sun works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Morning Star, Black Sun 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, Social Conflict.
Thematically, Morning Star, Black Sun explores multicultural, social justice, history, 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.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Readers ready to talk through themes after they finish — there's enough substance for a meaningful conversation.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about multicultural, social justice, history.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
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
1/10A 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
- 9789992052242
- Pages
- 154
- Publisher
- Putnam Pub Group Juv
- Published
- May 1982
- Type
- Fiction