The journal of Augustus Pelletier
Kathryn Lasky
The journal of Augustus Pelletier
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
The Lewis and Clark Expedition
by Kathryn Lasky
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
Augustus scribbles hurriedly in his journal as the river roars beside him, the unknown wilderness stretching endlessly ahead. Danger and discovery wait with every step the Corps of Discovery takes. Suddenly, a mysterious sound breaks the silence—what could it be?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This fictional journal offers a vivid and engaging perspective of the Lewis and Clark expedition through the eyes of twelve-year-old Augustus Pelletier, the youngest member of the Corps of Discovery. Suitable for ages 9-12, the book introduces historical exploration with accessible language and immersive diary entries, fostering interest in American history while maintaining age-appropriate content without graphic or intense themes.
Why we rated The journal of Augustus Pelletier 9LE
The journal of Augustus Pelletier is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 171 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The journal of Augustus Pelletier works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate The journal of Augustus Pelletier 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 journal of Augustus Pelletier explores adventure, historical, explorers, and diaries — 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 adventure, historical, explorers.
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
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0590684892
- Pages
- 171
- Publisher
- Scholastic
- Published
- 2000
- Type
- Fiction