The price of liberty
Joseph G. E. Hopkins
The price of liberty
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Joseph G. E. Hopkins
The text is written at a 6th 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 if the fate of a whole army depended on one man’s courage and cleverness? Amid the bitter cold of Valley Forge and the chaos of war, John Frayne fights not with guns but with medicine to save his friends. His battle is hidden but just as heroic—and it could change everything.
Themes
Quick Assessment
Set during the harsh winter of 1777-78, this historical fiction novel follows surgeon John Frayne as he navigates the challenges of caring for wounded soldiers in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania amid the Revolutionary War. The story explores themes of patriotism, sacrifice, and resilience suitable for middle-grade readers, with some depictions of wartime hardship and medical struggles. It offers a meaningful look at an often overlooked Revolutionary War episode without graphic violence.
Why we rated The price of liberty 11LE
The price of liberty is written at a Level 6 reading level across 208 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The price of liberty works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate The price of liberty as 11LE ("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 price of liberty explores historical, family, patriotism, and coming of age — 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, family, patriotism.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11LE — Light — EmotionalLight 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
4/10Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0684146088
- Pages
- 208
- Publisher
- Scribner
- Published
- 1976
- Type
- Fiction