The kingdom of Ohio
Matthew Flaming
The kingdom of Ohio
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Matthew Flaming
The text is written at a 7th 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
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to unlock the secrets of time itself? In the twisting streets of old New York, two unlikely friends stumble into a world where history and machines collide. What will happen when the past and future start to blur?
Themes
Quick Assessment
Set in New York City from 1898 to 1951, this middle-grade novel explores themes of history, technology, and friendship through the eyes of gifted young characters. It thoughtfully examines complex ideas while weaving a unique love story appropriate for readers ages 9 to 12. Parents should note the story's intellectual depth and historical setting, which may prompt thoughtful discussions.
Why we rated The kingdom of Ohio 12MT
The kingdom of Ohio is written at a Level 7 reading level across 322 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 8.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The kingdom of Ohio works for readers up to grade 9.0.
We rate The kingdom of Ohio as 12MT ("Moderate — Thematic") because the content sits in the "Mild" range — mild conflict — the kind a child encounters in normal play and sibling life. The strongest signals come from thematic difficulty — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the mild intensity score.
Thematically, The kingdom of Ohio explores gifted persons, friendship, historical, science & nature, and romance — 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 gifted persons, friendship, historical.
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
12MT — Moderate — ThematicLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
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
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780399155604
- Pages
- 322
- Publisher
- Penguin
- Published
- 2009
- Type
- Fiction