Small Arms up Close
Martin J. Dougherty
Small Arms up Close
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Martin J. Dougherty
The text is written at a 6th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.
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About This Book
What if you could explore the secrets behind the small arms that changed history? Imagine holding a digital model of a handgun or rifle, spinning it around to see every detail up close. But understanding these powerful tools also means learning why they matter—and how they’ve shaped battles and bravery.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade nonfiction book offers an in-depth look at small arms used in warfare, featuring 3D digital models of handguns, rifles, and other weapons. It explains their features, safety measures, and historical context with engaging war stories. Suitable for ages 9-12, parents should note the focus on military weapons and their use in conflict.
Why we rated Small Arms up Close 11LP
Small Arms up Close is written at a Level 6 reading level across 225 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Small Arms up Close works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Small Arms up Close as 11LP ("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.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the mild intensity score.
Thematically, Small Arms up Close explores military weapons, history, and science & nature — 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 military weapons, history, science & nature.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11LP — Light — PhysicalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Was our "Mild" 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
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781508170839
- Pages
- 225
- Publisher
- The Rosen Publishing Group, Inc
- Published
- 2015
- Type
- Fiction