The hero of Ticonderoga
Gail Gauthier
The hero of Ticonderoga
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Gail Gauthier
The text is written at a 6th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is gentle with no concerning themes.
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About This Book
Have you ever wondered what it takes to become a true hero? Imagine uncovering the exciting story of Ethan Allen, a brave figure from Vermont's past, while standing in front of your classmates ready to share his tale. What surprises will you find along the way?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade historical fiction follows a student named Thřs̈e as she explores the life of Ethan Allen, a notable Vermont hero, through her oral report. The story highlights themes of learning, self-discovery, and the joy of writing and presenting. Suitable for ages 9-12, it offers an engaging way to connect with history and develop communication skills.
Why we rated The hero of Ticonderoga 11C
The hero of Ticonderoga is written at a Level 6 reading level across 231 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The hero of Ticonderoga works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate The hero of Ticonderoga as 11C ("Clear") because the content sits in the "Gentle" range — no conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Across our four dimensions (emotional, physical, social, thematic) the book reads as evenly gentle; no single dimension stands out as a concern.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the gentle intensity score.
Thematically, The hero of Ticonderoga explores historical, school, teacher-student relationships, and coming of age — 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, school, teacher-student relationships.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers whose emotional readiness lags behind their decoding skills — this book's intensity outruns its reading level, a classic "gifted kid" mismatch.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11C — ClearNo conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Safe for sensitive readers.
Was our "Gentle" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A 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
- 0399235590
- Pages
- 231
- Publisher
- Putnam Juvenile
- Published
- 2001
- Type
- Fiction