Some kind of courage
Dan Gemeinhart
Some kind of courage
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Dan Gemeinhart
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 your best friend was a wild pony, and suddenly someone took her away? Imagine setting off across the wild lands of 1890 Washington, determined to bring her home no matter what dangers lie ahead. Joseph’s adventure is just beginning, but can he find the courage to face the unknown and win back what’s his?
Themes
Quick Assessment
Set in 1890 Washington, this middle-grade novel follows Joseph Johnson, a young orphan whose only companion is his half-wild Indian pony, Sarah. When Sarah is sold without his consent, Joseph embarks on a courageous journey to reclaim her, encountering historical settings and challenges along the way. Suitable for readers aged 9-12, the book explores themes of friendship, bravery, and perseverance in a historical context.
Why we rated Some kind of courage 11LE
Some kind of courage is written at a Level 6 reading level across 234 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Some kind of courage works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Some kind of courage as 11LE ("Light — Emotional") 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, Some kind of courage explores horses, orphans, history, adventure, and friendship — 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 horses, orphans, history.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11LE — Light — EmotionalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
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
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780545665773
- Pages
- 234
- Publisher
- Scholastic Press
- Published
- 2016
- Type
- Fiction