Slave ship
George Sullivan
Slave ship
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
The Story of the Henrietta Marie
by George Sullivan
The text is written at a 3rd grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for younger children (ages 5–8), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.
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About This Book
Did you know a ship carrying many secrets sank long ago beneath the waves near Florida? Deep underwater, explorers found pieces of a story about people and their journey across the sea. But that's only the beginning.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This early-reader fiction introduces young children to the historical slave ship Henrietta Marie, which sank near Florida in the early 1700s. It combines a narrative about underwater archaeology with historical context on the transatlantic slave trade, tailored for ages 5-8 with sensitive language. The book thoughtfully presents complex history in an age-appropriate manner, focusing on exploration and discovery.
Why we rated Slave ship 8LP
Slave ship is written at a Level 3 reading level across 80 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 4.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Slave ship works for readers up to grade 5.0.
We rate Slave ship as 8LP ("Light — Physical") because the content sits in the "Mild" range — mild conflict — the kind a child encounters in normal play and sibling life. Across our four dimensions (emotional, physical, social, thematic) the book reads as evenly mild; no single dimension stands out as a concern.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Historical Slavery, Mild Peril.
Thematically, Slave ship explores history, exploration, slave trade, archaeology, and african american history — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 5-8 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, exploration, slave trade.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
8LP — Light — PhysicalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Content Flags
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
2/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0525651748
- Pages
- 80
- Publisher
- Dutton Books for Young Readers
- Published
- 1994
- Type
- Fiction