New federalism
Stephen Goode
New federalism
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
States' Rights in American History
by Stephen Goode
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
What happens when the states and the big federal government don’t see eye to eye? Imagine a time when the President wants to change how much power the states have. Will the states hold their ground or give in? The answer isn’t so simple.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fiction book explores the evolving relationship between U.S. states and the federal government, focusing on historical events and political debates, including President Reagan’s efforts to shift power back to the states. Suitable for ages 9-12, it introduces readers to important concepts in American government and history with accessible language. Parents should note that the book discusses political themes but presents them in a way appropriate for young readers.
Why we rated New federalism 9LS
New federalism is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 152 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, New federalism works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate New federalism as 9LS ("Light — Social") 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, New federalism explores federal government, history, states' rights, and juvenile literature — 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 federal government, history, states' rights.
- ✓ Curious kids who prefer real-world topics over made-up stories.
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
9LS — Light — SocialNo conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Safe for sensitive readers.
Was our "Gentle" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A 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
- 9780531045015
- Pages
- 152
- Publisher
- Franklin Watts
- Published
- 1983
- Type
- Nonfiction