The enemy
Riordan, James
The enemy
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
A Story from World War II
by Riordan, James
The text is written at a 3rd grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for younger children (ages 5–8), and the content is intense and may include graphic or distressing scenes.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
What would you do if two soldiers—one your friend and one your enemy—showed up hurt at your door during a scary war? Marie and her mother are caught in a dangerous time when people they don’t expect become part of their lives. Can kindness survive when everyone is afraid and secrets are everywhere?
Themes
Quick Assessment
Set against the backdrop of World War II and the Dunkirk Evacuation, this story follows young Marie and her mother as they care for two injured soldiers from opposing sides. The book addresses themes of war, loss, and compassion, with some intense moments including death and injury. It is appropriate for early readers aged 5-8 but includes content that may require adult guidance due to its emotional depth and scenes of animal loss and physical injury.
Why we rated The enemy 8IE
The enemy is written at a Level 3 reading level across 85 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 4.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The enemy works for readers up to grade 5.0.
We rate The enemy as 8IE ("Intense — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Intense" range — intense conflict including peril, frightening scenes, or emotionally heavy themes. The strongest signals come from emotional weight, physical peril, social complexity, thematic difficulty — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Animal Death, Child Death, Parental Death, Physical Injury, Claustrophobia, Vomiting.
Thematically, The enemy explores war & conflict, family, compassion, historical, and courage — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 5-8 range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about war & conflict, family, compassion.
Maybe not for
- ! Sensitive readers who get overwhelmed by intense conflict or scary scenes.
- ! Children younger than 5-8 — the content intensity is above what most younger kids can process comfortably.
- ! 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
8IE — Intense — EmotionalHeavy themes explored in depth. War, death, abuse addressed directly.
Content Flags
Was our "Intense" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A 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
My friend the enemy
Dan Smith
My friend the enemy
Dan Smith
The enemy
Sara Holbrook
The enemy
Sara Holbrook
The enemy
Charles Higson
The enemy
Charles Higson
The Enemy I kill
Alexander Knox
The Enemy I kill
Alexander Knox
My friend the enemy
Dan Smith
My friend the enemy
Dan Smith
My friend the enemy
J. B. Cheaney
My friend the enemy
J. B. Cheaney
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0764155261
- Pages
- 85
- Publisher
- B.E.S. Publishing
- Published
- 2002
- Type
- Fiction