The Benedict Arnold connection
Joseph DiMona
The Benedict Arnold connection
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Joseph DiMona
The text is written at a 6th 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.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
What if a secret from the past could stop a terrifying threat today? Imagine uncovering a connection to Benedict Arnold while racing against time to prevent nuclear disaster. Can one discovery change everything before it's too late?
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fiction novel follows a suspenseful adventure where young protagonists confront the danger of nuclear terrorism linked to historical secrets. Suitable for ages 9-12, it contains themes of suspense and action but no graphic content. Parents should be aware of the intense stakes around terrorism portrayed in an age-appropriate manner.
Why we rated The Benedict Arnold connection 11MP
The Benedict Arnold connection is written at a Level 6 reading level across 275 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The Benedict Arnold connection works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate The Benedict Arnold connection as 11MP ("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 physical peril, social complexity, thematic difficulty — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Nuclear Terrorism.
Thematically, The Benedict Arnold connection explores adventure, historical, mystery, and social justice — 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.
- ✓ Readers ready to talk through themes after they finish — there's enough substance for a meaningful conversation.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about adventure, historical, mystery.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers who get easily upset by emotional or moderately dark scenes — the conflict here is real, not just background flavor.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11MP — Moderate — PhysicalReal stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.
Content Flags
Was our "Moderate" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
3/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
4/10Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Benedict Arnold
Michael Burgan
Benedict Arnold
Michael Burgan
Benedict Arnold (American War Biographies)
Karen Price Hossell
Benedict Arnold (American War Biographies)
Karen Price Hossell
Benedict Arnold
Susan R. Gregson
Benedict Arnold
Susan R. Gregson
Benedict Arnold
Ann Gaines
Benedict Arnold
Ann Gaines
Benedict Arnold and the American Revolution
King, David C.
Benedict Arnold and the American Revolution
King, David C.
Real Benedict Arnold
Virginia Loh-Hagan
Real Benedict Arnold
Virginia Loh-Hagan
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0688032303
- Pages
- 275
- Publisher
- Morrow
- Published
- 1977
- Type
- Fiction