Perilous Road

William Steele

Cover of Perilous Road

Perilous Road

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by William Steele

Reading Level 4-5 Moderate (Lvl 3) Ages 9-12 Matched

The text is written at a 4th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content has moderate intensity with some emotionally heavy themes.

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About This Book

Chris is the toughest kid in his Tennessee mountain town, but even he can't prepare for the shock of war hitting home. When he warns his side about an enemy troop, he discovers the enemy might be someone he loves. This twist teaches him that bravery and understanding can come from the most unexpected places.

Themes

FamilyComing of AgeCivil WarCourageTolerance

Quick Assessment

Set during the Civil War, this middle-grade novel follows 14-year-old Chris, who struggles with his feelings about the conflict and the invading Yankees. The story explores themes of family loyalty, the harsh realities of war, and personal growth, appropriate for readers aged 9-12. Parents should note the historical war setting and its emotional challenges, including family division and the impact of conflict.

For Parents

Content Intensity

Level 3 — Moderate
Gentle Mild Moderate Intense Very Intense

Real stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.

Content Flags

Loss & Grief Fear & Anxiety War & Conflict
Data confidence: standard

Was our "Moderate" content intensity rating accurate for this book?

Reading Insights

Hook Factor

1/10

A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.

Discussion Potential

6/10

Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

Vocabulary Level
4
Emotional Weight
6
Theme Richness
8
World Scope
1
Data Confidence
7

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Details

Book Length

155 pages
ISBN
9780613102575
Pages
155
Publisher
Turtleback Books
Published
October 1999
Type
Fiction

Genres

Subjects

Civil War, 1861-1865PrejudicesUnited StatesWar