The burning of Washington
Mary Kay Phelan
The burning of Washington
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
August 1814
by Mary Kay Phelan
The text is written at a 4th 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
Smoke fills the air as the crackling fire lights up the night sky over Washington, D.C. The smell of burning wood and the sounds of hurried footsteps echo through the city streets. What will happen next as the British army marches in, changing history forever?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This historical fiction book explores the events around the British attack on Washington, D.C., during the War of 1812. Suitable for middle-grade readers, it offers an engaging look at this pivotal moment in American history with age-appropriate language and content. Parents should note that the story includes depictions of conflict and destruction but handles these themes thoughtfully for young readers.
Why we rated The burning of Washington 9LE
The burning of Washington is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 179 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The burning of Washington works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate The burning of Washington as 9LE ("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 burning of Washington explores historical, war & conflict, and adventure — 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, war & conflict, adventure.
- ✓ Curious kids who prefer real-world topics over made-up stories.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9LE — 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
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0690004869
- Pages
- 179
- Publisher
- Crowell
- Published
- 1975
- Type
- Nonfiction