The American Revolution
Ben Thompson
The American Revolution
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Ben Thompson
Illustrated by Butzer, C. M., illustrator
The text is written at a 7th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
Hear the crackling of muskets and the thunder of cannon fire as the cold wind bites your face on the icy Delaware River. Feel the tension in Boston’s crowded streets as whispers of rebellion swirl in the air. Courage and secrets fill every corner, shaping a new nation with every bold step.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This illustrated middle-grade book offers an engaging and accessible look at the American Revolution, blending action-packed storytelling with historical facts. Suitable for ages 9-12, it includes vivid depictions of battles and key events like the Declaration of Independence, making it ideal for young history enthusiasts and reluctant readers alike. The book presents history in an exciting manner without graphic content, suitable for this age group.
Why we rated The American Revolution 12LE
The American Revolution is written at a Level 7 reading level across 320 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 8.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The American Revolution works for readers up to grade 9.0.
We rate The American Revolution as 12LE ("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, The American Revolution explores history, adventure, and coming of age — 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 history, adventure, coming of age.
- ✓ Curious kids who prefer real-world topics over made-up stories.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers whose emotional readiness lags behind their decoding skills — this book's intensity outruns its reading level, a classic "gifted kid" mismatch.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
12LE — 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
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
The American Revolution
Deborah Kent
The American Revolution
Deborah Kent
The American Revolution
Edward F. Dolan
The American Revolution
Edward F. Dolan
The American Revolution
Alden R. Carter
The American Revolution
Alden R. Carter
The American Revolution
Zoe Lowery
The American Revolution
Zoe Lowery
The American Revolution (Eye on History)
Walter A. Hazen
The American Revolution (Eye on History)
Walter A. Hazen
American Revolution
Abdo Publishing
American Revolution
Abdo Publishing
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780316312097
- Pages
- 320
- Publisher
- Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
- Published
- 2017
- Type
- Nonfiction