Soldier
R. G. Grant
Soldier
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
A Visual History of the Fighting Man
by R. G. Grant
The text is written at a 7th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content has moderate intensity with some emotionally heavy themes.
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About This Book
Soldiers have been shaping history for over 2,500 years, from fierce Samurai warriors to daring US riflemen. Discover what it’s really like to train, live, and fight on the frontlines through incredible personal stories. This is more than just battles—it’s about the people who stood tall when the world needed them most.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade nonfiction book offers an immersive look at the life of soldiers throughout 2,500 years of history, covering various cultures and military eras. It includes detailed accounts of training, living conditions, and combat experiences, complemented by vivid descriptions of armor, weapons, and military vehicles. Suitable for ages 9-12, it provides educational content with some depictions of historical warfare that parents should note.
Why we rated Soldier 12MP
Soldier is written at a Level 7 reading level across 360 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 8.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Soldier works for readers up to grade 9.0.
We rate Soldier as 12MP ("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 emotional weight, 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, Soldier explores historical, armed forces, adventure, 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 historical, armed forces, 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
12MP — 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
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781405365086
- Pages
- 360
- Publisher
- DK Publishing (Dorling Kindersley)
- Published
- 2011
- Type
- Fiction