The glorious hour of Lt. Monroe
Richard Hanser
The glorious hour of Lt. Monroe
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Richard Hanser
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
Cold river water splashes against wooden boats as the crackle of muskets fills the air. The night is thick with the smell of smoke and the quiet bravery of soldiers ready to change history. In this moment, a young soldier named James Monroe faces a battle that will echo through time.
Quick Assessment
This historical fiction novel follows the events of the Battle of Trenton in 1776, spotlighting James Monroe's role in this pivotal moment of American history. Suitable for readers ages 9-12, it provides an accessible introduction to Revolutionary War history with vivid descriptions and engaging storytelling. Parents should note the presence of mild battle scenes appropriate for middle-grade readers.
Why we rated The glorious hour of Lt. Monroe 9LE
The glorious hour of Lt. Monroe is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 170 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The glorious hour of Lt. Monroe works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate The glorious hour of Lt. Monroe 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 glorious hour of Lt. Monroe explores historical, adventure, coming of age, and family — 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, coming of age.
- ✓ 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
4/10Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780689304958
- Pages
- 170
- Publisher
- Atheneum Books
- Published
- 1976
- Type
- Nonfiction