The Death of Lincoln
LeRoy Hayman
The Death of Lincoln
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by LeRoy Hayman
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
What if one moment in history changed everything for a whole country? Imagine standing in a theater when suddenly, everything goes silent and the world feels different. How did one night change the future forever?
Quick Assessment
This illustrated historical fiction introduces middle-grade readers to the assassination of Abraham Lincoln in an age-appropriate manner. It provides a factual picture history while engaging young readers with accessible language for grades 4-6. Parents should note it covers a significant moment of American history, including themes of loss and change, suitable for children ages 9-12.
Why we rated The Death of Lincoln 9LE
The Death of Lincoln is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 132 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The Death of Lincoln works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate The Death of Lincoln 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.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Loss & Grief, Historical.
Thematically, The Death of Lincoln explores historical, coming of age, and family — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers. Each of these themes is concrete enough to seed a real conversation, not just a moral lesson.
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, coming of age, family.
Maybe not for
- ! Children currently coping with grief — the themes may hit close to home.
- ! 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.
Content Flags
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
5/10Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9789994437276
- Pages
- 132
- Publisher
- Scholastic
- Published
- September 1990
- Type
- Fiction