Prohibition
Dennis Nishi
Prohibition
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Dennis Nishi
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
The sharp clang of bottles echoes through shadowy alleyways, mixing with the sweet, spicy scent of forbidden liquor. Voices whisper about secret recipes and daring escapes as the law tries to snatch away the fun. But behind every glass, a story bubbles up — full of risk, rebellion, and unexpected friendships.
Quick Assessment
Set during America's Prohibition era, this historical fiction explores the impact of the alcohol ban through the eyes of both law enforcers and those who defy them. Suitable for ages 9-12, it introduces complex social and legal themes in an accessible way without graphic content. The story encourages understanding of historical consequences and personal choices during a turbulent time.
Why we rated Prohibition 11LT
Prohibition is written at a Level 6 reading level across 223 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Prohibition works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Prohibition as 11LT ("Light — Thematic") 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, Prohibition explores historical, adventure, and social justice — 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, adventure, social justice.
- ✓ Curious kids who prefer real-world topics over made-up stories.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11LT — Light — ThematicLight 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
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780737713077
- Pages
- 223
- Publisher
- Greenhaven Press, Incorporated
- Published
- 2003
- Type
- Nonfiction