Rutherford B. Hayes
Hans Trefousse
Rutherford B. Hayes
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
The American Presidents Series: The 19th President, 1877-1881
by Hans Trefousse
The text is written at a 4th 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
The crackle of old newspapers fills the air as the story of a president unfolds—a man who faced a nation divided and made tough choices to bring people together. Feel the weight of history in the room where decisions shaped a country’s future, echoing with hope and challenge. His journey shows how courage can heal even the deepest wounds.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade biography introduces readers to Rutherford B. Hayes, focusing on his presidency during a critical time in American history. It highlights his efforts to unify a post-Civil War nation and restore trust in the presidency. Suitable for ages 9-12, the book offers historical insights with accessible language and no content concerns.
Why we rated Rutherford B. Hayes 9LS
Rutherford B. Hayes is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 191 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Rutherford B. Hayes works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Rutherford B. Hayes as 9LS ("Light — Social") 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, Rutherford B. Hayes explores biography & autobiography, historical, political, presidents & heads of state, and history — 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 biography & autobiography, historical, political.
- ✓ 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
9LS — Light — SocialNo 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
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Rutherford B. Hayes
Anne Welsbacher
Rutherford B. Hayes
Anne Welsbacher
Rutherford B. Hayes, 19th president of the United States
Neal E. Robbins
Rutherford B. Hayes, 19th president of the United States
Neal E. Robbins
Presidents
Neil A. Hamilton
Presidents
Neil A. Hamilton
Presidents of the United States
Unknown
Presidents of the United States
Unknown
Mr. President
George Sullivan
Mr. President
George Sullivan
American Presidents in World History
Creative Media Applications
American Presidents in World History
Creative Media Applications
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780805069082
- Pages
- 191
- Publisher
- Macmillan
- Published
- 2002
- Type
- Nonfiction