The corn raid
James Lincoln Collier
The corn raid
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by James Lincoln Collier
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
Imagine a daring raid where brave kids and adults risk everything to protect their home and cornfields. This isn't just any story—it's a thrilling adventure set in the early days of Jamestown, where every choice could change history. Discover why standing up for what you believe matters more than ever.
Quick Assessment
The Corn Raid is a historical fiction novel set in early Jamestown, focusing on themes such as indentured servitude, Native American relations, and survival. Suitable for middle-grade readers, it offers a rich multicultural perspective and connects well with social studies curricula. Parents should note it includes historical conflict and cultural themes appropriate for ages 9-12.
Why we rated The corn raid 9LT
The corn raid is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 142 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The corn raid works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate The corn raid as 9LT ("Light — Thematic") 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 corn raid explores historical, adventure, multicultural, family, and survival — 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.
- ✓ Readers ready to talk through themes after they finish — there's enough substance for a meaningful conversation.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about historical, adventure, multicultural.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9LT — Light — ThematicLight 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
4/10Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780809206193
- Pages
- 142
- Publisher
- McGraw-Hill Education
- Published
- 2000
- Type
- Fiction