Rise of ISIS
Caroline Kennon
Rise of ISIS
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
The Modern Age of Terrorism
by Caroline Kennon
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.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
Gunfire echoes as a city trembles beneath the shadow of danger. Soldiers rush through smoke-filled streets, chasing a threat no one fully understands yet. What will happen next in this battle to stop a powerful and dangerous group?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This nonfiction book introduces middle-grade readers to the origins and impact of ISIS, a terrorist group that has affected global security and communities. It presents factual information, including key events and responses by nations, supported by photographs and timelines. Suitable for ages 9-12, parents should note the serious subject matter related to terrorism and its consequences.
Why we rated Rise of ISIS 9ME
Rise of ISIS is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 106 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Rise of ISIS works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Rise of ISIS as 9ME ("Moderate — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Moderate" range — moderate conflict that may involve loss, scary scenes, or interpersonal stakes. The strongest signals come from emotional weight, physical peril, social complexity — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the moderate intensity score.
Thematically, Rise of ISIS explores terrorism, historical, 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.
- ✓ Readers ready to talk through themes after they finish — there's enough substance for a meaningful conversation.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about terrorism, historical, social justice.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers who get easily upset by emotional or moderately dark scenes — the conflict here is real, not just background flavor.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9ME — Moderate — EmotionalReal stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.
Was our "Moderate" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
4/10Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Isis
Brendan January
Isis
Brendan January
War Against ISIS
Lauren McNiven
War Against ISIS
Lauren McNiven
The war against ISIS
Angela Adams
The war against ISIS
Angela Adams
Terrorism
Alex Woolf
Terrorism
Alex Woolf
Inside the World's Most Infamous Terrorist Organizations
Rosen Publishing Group, Incorporated, The
Inside the World's Most Infamous Terrorist Organizations
Rosen Publishing Group, Incorporated, The
The terrorist
Caroline B. Cooney
The terrorist
Caroline B. Cooney
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781534560574
- Pages
- 106
- Publisher
- Greenhaven Publishing LLC
- Published
- 2016
- Type
- Fiction