Sea captain from Salem
Leonard Wibberley
Sea captain from Salem
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Leonard Wibberley
The text is written at a 4th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for teens (ages 13+), and the content has moderate intensity with some emotionally heavy themes.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
Waves crash as Peace of God Manly steers his ship through enemy waters, cannon fire echoing all around. British ships close in fast, but Manly won't back down—not when the fate of the colonies hangs in the balance. Suddenly, a shadow looms on the horizon—what's coming next?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This historical fiction novel follows Peace of God Manly, a daring sea captain during the American War for Independence, who plays a crucial role in securing an alliance between the Colonies and France by disrupting British naval operations. Suitable for middle to high school readers, it offers an adventurous look at a pivotal moment in history with moderate action and war-related themes. Parents should note the story includes conflict and maritime warfare but remains appropriate for teens interested in historical and military fiction.
Why we rated Sea captain from Salem 9MP
Sea captain from Salem is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 166 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Sea captain from Salem works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Sea captain from Salem as 9MP ("Moderate — Physical") because the content sits in the "Moderate" range — moderate conflict that may involve loss, scary scenes, or interpersonal stakes. The strongest signals come from physical peril — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the moderate intensity score.
Thematically, Sea captain from Salem explores historical, war & military, adventure, and fiction — 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 historical, war & military, adventure.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers who get easily upset by emotional or moderately dark scenes — the conflict here is real, not just background flavor.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9MP — Moderate — PhysicalReal stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.
Was our "Moderate" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
2/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Sailors under fire
Brian Williams
Sailors under fire
Brian Williams
John Paul Jones, Victory at Sea
Scott Waldman
John Paul Jones, Victory at Sea
Scott Waldman
To brave the seas
David McRobbie
To brave the seas
David McRobbie
The Cape May packet
Stephen W. Meader
The Cape May packet
Stephen W. Meader
Billy Budd
Guy Richard Williams
Billy Budd
Guy Richard Williams
A Tudor warship
Brian Moses
A Tudor warship
Brian Moses
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781932350319
- Pages
- 166
- Publisher
- Bethlehem Books
- Published
- 2010
- Type
- Fiction