Running for President
Arthur Meier Schlesinger, Fred L. Israel, David J. Frent
Running for President
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
The Candidates and Their Images
by Arthur Meier Schlesinger, Fred L. Israel, David J. Frent
The text is written at a 8th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for teens (ages 13+), 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
Presidential elections aren't just about votes—they're about stories, strategies, and surprises that shaped history! Discover how candidates from every era used clever tactics and bold personalities to win hearts and minds. Understanding these epic battles reveals how your voice can matter too.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This nonfiction book offers an engaging exploration of U.S. presidential elections, presenting each campaign through accessible essays and vivid illustrations. Suitable for teens aged 13-18, it highlights the evolution of political strategies and campaign styles without graphic content, making it a valuable resource for young readers interested in politics and history.
Why we rated Running for President 12C
Running for President is written at a Level 8 reading level across 1050 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 9.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Running for President works for readers up to grade 10.0.
We rate Running for President as 12C ("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, Running for President explores politics & government, history, and youth civic engagement — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 13+ range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about politics & government, history, youth civic engagement.
- ✓ 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
12C — 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
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
See How They Run
Susan Goodman
See How They Run
Susan Goodman
Running for President
Arthur M. Schlesinger, ed.
Running for President
Arthur M. Schlesinger, ed.
If I ran for president
Catherine Stier
If I ran for president
Catherine Stier
Electing the President
Betty M. See
Electing the President
Betty M. See
We elect a President
David Elliott Weingast
We elect a President
David Elliott Weingast
Major Presidental Elections
Mason Crest Publishers
Major Presidental Elections
Mason Crest Publishers
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781590845431
- Pages
- 1,050
- Publisher
- Mason Crest
- Published
- September 2003
- Type
- Nonfiction