The last President
Michael Kurland
The last President
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Michael Kurland
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 gentle with no concerning themes.
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About This Book
Here's a secret: the president everyone thinks is in charge might not be who they say they are. Hidden truths and secret powers swirl behind the scenes, changing history in ways no one expects. But that's only the beginning.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade science fiction novel explores an alternate history of the United States, weaving political intrigue with speculative elements. Suitable for readers ages 9-12, it offers a thought-provoking story that encourages critical thinking about leadership and truth. There is no intense content, making it appropriate for this age group.
Why we rated The last President 12LT
The last President is written at a Level 7 reading level across 357 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 8.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The last President works for readers up to grade 9.0.
We rate The last President as 12LT ("Light — Thematic") 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 last President explores alternate history, science fiction, adventure, and united states — 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 alternate history, science fiction, adventure.
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
12LT — Light — ThematicNo conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Safe for sensitive readers.
Was our "Gentle" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
2/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0688036104
- Pages
- 357
- Publisher
- Morrow
- Published
- 1980
- Type
- Fiction