Scott Joplin (Black Americans of Achievement)

Katherine Preston

Cover of Scott Joplin (Black Americans of Achievement)

Scott Joplin (Black Americans of Achievement)

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Katherine Preston

Reading Level 4-5 9LT Ages 13+ Balanced Read

The text is written at a 4th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for teens (ages 13+), and the content is gentle with no concerning themes.

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About This Book

Have you ever wondered how a simple rhythm could change the world of music? Scott Joplin took ragtime, once seen as just noisy and low-class, and turned it into a celebrated art form with catchy tunes like the 'Maple Leaf Rag.' But how did his music go from the streets to winning a Pulitzer Prize decades after he was gone?

Themes

Biography: film, television & musicBlack studiesBluesJazzUnited States

Quick Assessment

This biography explores the life and legacy of Scott Joplin, the pianist and composer who transformed ragtime music into a nationally recognized genre. Suitable for teens aged 13-18, it highlights Joplin's significant contributions to American music history and touches on his posthumous Pulitzer Prize. The book is appropriate for young readers interested in music, history, and Black American achievements.

For Parents

Content Intensity

9LT — Light — Thematic
Emotional
Clear
Physical
Clear
Social
Clear
Thematic
Light

No conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Safe for sensitive readers.

Data confidence: standard

Was our "Gentle" content intensity rating accurate for this book?

Reading Insights

Hook Factor

1/10

A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.

Discussion Potential

1/10

A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

Vocabulary Level
4
Emotional Weight
2
Theme Richness
5
World Scope
1
Data Confidence
7

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Details

Book Length

111 pages
ISBN
9780791002056
Pages
111
Publisher
Chelsea House
Published
October 1988
Type
Nonfiction

Genres

Subjects

Biography: Film, Television & MusicBlack StudiesBluesJazzUnited StatesBiography & AutobiographyHistoricalAutobiographyJoplin, Scott,Music1868-1917African AmericansComposers