What reading level is The neutron?

The neutron by Alfred B. Bortz is at a Level 9-10 reading level. Recommended for Upper Grades / Adult readers (Ages 16+).

What age is The neutron appropriate for?

The neutron is recommended for Ages 16+. HootRating: 14C (Clear).

What genre is The neutron?

The neutron is nonfiction — Science. Part of the Library of Subatomic Particles series.

Does The neutron have any content warnings?

The neutron has a HootRating of 14C (Clear). No specific content flags noted. On HootRated, every book is rated across four dimensions — emotional, physical, social, and thematic — to help parents make informed choices.

How many pages is The neutron?

The neutron by Alfred B. Bortz is 64 pages (approximately 6,982 words).

Reviewed by HootRated editorial · Last updated May 18, 2026

The neutron

Alfred B. Bortz

The neutron

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Alfred B. Bortz

Library of Subatomic Particles

Reading Level 9-10 14C Ages 16+ Sweet Spot Page-Turner

The text is written at a 9th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for teens and adults (ages 16+), and the content is gentle with no concerning themes.

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About This Book

Dive into the fascinating journey behind the discovery of the neutron, a tiny particle that unlocked the mysteries of atomic structure. Explore how this breakthrough helped scientists understand isotopes and the powerful process of nuclear fission. This captivating story brings complex science to life for curious young minds.

Themes

Science & Nature Historical

Quick Assessment

This is a Level 9-10 book with gentle content intensity. It's a Sweet Spot read — challenging text with gentle themes, ideal for advanced or 2e readers. No notable content concerns flagged. Written for readers ages 16+.

Why we rated The neutron 14C

The neutron is written at a Level 9-10 reading level across 64 pages (approximately 6,982 words). Strong independent readers around grade 10.9 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The neutron works for readers up to grade 11.9.

Read aloud, The neutron takes about 47 minutes, which fits within a single read-aloud session.

We rate The neutron as 14C ("Clear") 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 neutron weaves together science & nature and historical.

Good fit for

✓ Children in the Ages 16+ range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
✓ Reluctant readers who need fast-paced, hook-heavy stories to stay engaged.
✓ Kids drawn to stories about science & nature, historical.
✓ Readers who fall hard for one book and want a long series to live in — there are 5 more books in the Library of Subatomic Particles series.
✓ Curious kids who prefer real-world topics over made-up stories.

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.