The matchlock gun
Walter D. Edmonds
The matchlock gun
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Walter D. Edmonds
The text is written at a 5th 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
Set in colonial New York during a time of danger and uncertainty, a young boy named Edward learns bravery as he prepares to defend his family with an old, powerful matchlock gun. When his father leaves to guard against enemy attacks, Edward must face his fears and stand strong to protect those he loves. This historical tale brings to life the challenges and courage of frontier life during the French and Indian War.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This is a Level 5-6 book with mild content intensity. Content themes include mild peril, fear & anxiety, historical. Written for readers ages 9-12.
Why we rated The matchlock gun 10LE
The matchlock gun is written at a Level 5-6 reading level across 61 pages (approximately 5,708 words). Strong independent readers around grade 6.1 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The matchlock gun works for readers up to grade 7.1.
Read aloud, The matchlock gun takes about 38 minutes, which fits within a single read-aloud session.
We rate The matchlock gun as 10LE ("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.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Mild Peril, Fear & Anxiety, Historical.
Thematically, The matchlock gun explores courage, family, frontier and pioneer life, and historical — 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.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about courage, family, frontier and pioneer life.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers looking for something heavier — this is a gentle, low-stakes story by design.
For Parents
Content Intensity
10LE — Light — EmotionalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Content Flags
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
4/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0698116801
- Pages
- 61
- Publisher
- Penguin
- Published
- 1998
- Type
- Fiction
- Word Count
- 5,708
- Read-Aloud
- ~38 min
- Text Density
- Light Text