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The life and times of Captain N.

Douglas H. Glover

Cover of The life and times of Captain N.

The life and times of Captain N.

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

A Novel

by Douglas H. Glover

Reading Level 4-5 9LE Ages 9-12 Balanced Read

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

What would you do if you found yourself in the middle of a revolution? Imagine being Captain N, caught in the fierce battles and big decisions of the American Revolution. Will he help change history or get lost in the chaos?

Quick Assessment

This historical fiction novel follows Captain N during the American Revolutionary War, offering young readers an engaging look at life in 1775-1783. Suitable for ages 9-12, it provides a blend of adventure and history without graphic violence or mature themes. Parents can expect a story that introduces important historical events in an accessible and age-appropriate way.

Why we rated The life and times of Captain N. 9LE

The life and times of Captain N. is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 185 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The life and times of Captain N. works for readers up to grade 6.5.

We rate The life and times of Captain N. 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 life and times of Captain N. 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.

Maybe not for

  • ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.

For Parents

Content Intensity

9LE — Light — Emotional
Emotional
Light
Physical
Light
Social
Clear
Thematic
Light

Light conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.

Data confidence: standard

Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?

Reading Insights

Hook Factor

2/10

A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.

Discussion Potential

4/10

Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

Vocabulary Level
4
Emotional Weight
4
Theme Richness
4
World Scope
5
Data Confidence
7

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Details

Book Length

185 pages
ISBN
9780771033537
Pages
185
Publisher
McClelland & Stewart Limited
Published
1993
Type
Fiction

Genres

Subjects

United StatesRevolution, 1775-1783Revolution1775-1783RomansRomans, NouvellesHistoire

Places

United States