Napoleon
Robert Burleigh
Napoleon
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
The Story of the Little Corporal
by Robert Burleigh
The text is written at a 5th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
Discover the life of Napoleon Bonaparte, from his rise as a young soldier to becoming the Emperor of France. Explore his adventures, challenges, and the impact he made on history in a way that brings the past to life for young readers. Perfect for those curious about powerful leaders and historical events.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This is a Level 5-6 book with mild content intensity. Content themes include mild peril, war & conflict. Written for readers ages 9-12.
Why we rated Napoleon 10LP
Napoleon is written at a Level 5-6 reading level across 43 pages (approximately 5,620 words). Strong independent readers around grade 6.8 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Napoleon works for readers up to grade 7.8.
Read aloud, Napoleon takes about 37 minutes, which fits within a single read-aloud session.
We rate Napoleon as 10LP ("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, War & Conflict.
Thematically, Napoleon explores historical, biography, adventure, and coming of age — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers. Each of these themes is concrete enough to seed a real conversation, not just a moral lesson.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 9-12 range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Readers who like a steady plot with enough momentum to keep pages turning.
- ✓ Readers ready to talk through themes after they finish — there's enough substance for a meaningful conversation.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about historical, biography, adventure.
- ✓ Curious kids who prefer real-world topics over made-up stories.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers looking for something heavier — this is a gentle, low-stakes story by design.
For Parents
Content Intensity
10LP — 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
5/10Engaging read with solid pacing and interesting themes.
Discussion Potential
5/10Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Napoleon Bonaparte and Imperial France
Miriam Greenblatt
Napoleon Bonaparte and Imperial France
Miriam Greenblatt
Napoleon
Masters, Anthony
Napoleon
Masters, Anthony
Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars
Donald Sommerville
Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars
Donald Sommerville
Betsy and the Emperor
Staton Rabin
Betsy and the Emperor
Staton Rabin
Bonaparte
Marsha Wilson Chall
Bonaparte
Marsha Wilson Chall
French Revolution (History in a Hurry, 12)
John Farman
French Revolution (History in a Hurry, 12)
John Farman
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780810913783
- Pages
- 43
- Publisher
- Harry N. Abrams
- Published
- 2007
- Type
- Nonfiction
- Word Count
- 5,620
- Read-Aloud
- ~37 min
- Text Density
- Light Text