Running for President
Arthur M. Schlesinger, ed.
Running for President
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
The Candidates and Their Images
by Arthur M. Schlesinger, ed.
The text is written at a 8th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is gentle with no concerning themes.
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About This Book
Have you ever wondered how a person becomes the president? Imagine the colorful banners, catchy songs, and clever strategies candidates use to win votes. But what really makes someone stand out in the race for the highest office?
Themes
Quick Assessment
Running for President offers middle-grade readers an engaging look at U.S. presidential elections through accessible essays and vivid illustrations. It explores the various campaign styles and tactics candidates use, providing historical context suitable for ages 9-12. The book contains no sensitive content, making it an educational resource for understanding American democracy.
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 history, civics, political process, and education — 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 history, civics, political process.
- ✓ 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
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781590845448
- Pages
- 1,050
- Publisher
- Mason Crest
- Published
- August 2004
- Type
- Nonfiction