Nathan Ross and the American Revolution
Fran Applequist
Nathan Ross and the American Revolution
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
1775 To 1783
by Fran Applequist
The text is written at a 6th 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
Nathan Ross isn’t just any kid—he’s living through the American Revolution, and his journal brings history to life with exciting tales and vivid drawings. His sister dares to break the rules, and Nathan’s courage grows as he dreams of joining the fight. This story shows why standing up for what you believe in can change everything.
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade historical fiction follows Nathan Ross as he navigates life during the American Revolution through his illustrated journal. The story explores themes of family, bravery, and social change, highlighting a young girl’s challenge to gender roles and a boy’s desire to contribute to the war effort. Suitable for ages 9-12, it offers an engaging perspective on a pivotal moment in U.S. history with no intense content concerns.
Why we rated Nathan Ross and the American Revolution 11LE
Nathan Ross and the American Revolution is written at a Level 6 reading level across 222 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Nathan Ross and the American Revolution works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Nathan Ross and the American Revolution as 11LE ("Light — Emotional") 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, Nathan Ross and the American Revolution explores coming of age, family, historical, and adventure — 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 coming of age, family, historical.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11LE — Light — EmotionalLight 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
4/10Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781944662448
- Pages
- 222
- Publisher
- Convey Ink
- Published
- 2020
- Type
- Fiction