Pericles
Perry Scott King
Pericles
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Perry Scott King
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
The clatter of armor and the roar of the crowd fill the ancient city of Athens. You can almost smell the salty breeze from the sea as Pericles, a wise and brave leader, plans to make his city the greatest in all of Greece. His journey is full of challenges and hope, shaping a world that still echoes today.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This historical fiction book introduces middle-grade readers to Pericles, the influential Athenian leader during the 5th century B.C. It provides insight into his role in shaping Athens' power and democracy, suitable for ages 9-12. The narrative is accessible and engaging, with no intense content, making it appropriate for young readers interested in history and leadership.
Why we rated Pericles 9C
Pericles is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 111 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Pericles works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Pericles as 9C ("Clear") 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, Pericles explores historical, biography, statesmanship, and leadership — 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 historical, biography, statesmanship.
- ✓ 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
9C — ClearNo 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
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0877545472
- Pages
- 111
- Publisher
- Chelsea House
- Published
- 1988
- Type
- Nonfiction