Rissa Bartholomew's declaration of independence
Lynda B. Comerford
Rissa Bartholomew's declaration of independence
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Lynda B. Comerford
The text is written at a 5th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is gentle with no concerning themes.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
After boldly standing up for herself at her birthday party, Rissa begins middle school ready to forge her own path and find friends who appreciate her true self. She navigates the challenges of fitting in while staying authentic in a new environment. Join Rissa as she learns the value of independence and genuine friendship.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This is a Level 5-6 book with gentle content intensity. No notable content concerns flagged. Written for readers ages 9-12.
Why we rated Rissa Bartholomew's declaration of independence 10C
Rissa Bartholomew's declaration of independence is written at a Level 5-6 reading level across 250 pages (approximately 53,028 words). Strong independent readers around grade 6.9 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Rissa Bartholomew's declaration of independence works for readers up to grade 7.9.
Read aloud, Rissa Bartholomew's declaration of independence runs about 5.9 hours — long enough to span several bedtime sessions.
We rate Rissa Bartholomew's declaration of independence as 10C ("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, Rissa Bartholomew's declaration of independence explores identity, self-actualization, friendship, middle schools, and schools — 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 identity, self-actualization, friendship.
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
10C — ClearNo conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Safe for sensitive readers.
Was our "Gentle" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
2/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Rissa Bartholomew's Declaration of Independence
Lynda Comerford
Rissa Bartholomew's Declaration of Independence
Lynda Comerford
Rowdy Rita
Shermaine Perry-Knights
Rowdy Rita
Shermaine Perry-Knights
The courage to be yourself
Al Desetta
The courage to be yourself
Al Desetta
Independence Bound
Jacquelyn Altman Marquette
Independence Bound
Jacquelyn Altman Marquette
The Declaration of Independence
Judith Lloyd Yero
The Declaration of Independence
Judith Lloyd Yero
Judy Moody Declares Independence
Megan McDonald
Judy Moody Declares Independence
Megan McDonald
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780545050586
- Pages
- 250
- Publisher
- Scholastic Press
- Published
- 2009
- Type
- Fiction
- Word Count
- 53,028
- Read-Aloud
- ~5h 54m
- Text Density
- Standard