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The price of peace

Lawrence Freedman

Cover of The price of peace

The price of peace

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

Living with the Nuclear Dilemma

by Lawrence Freedman

Reading Level 6 11MT Ages 9-12 Balanced Read

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 would you do if the fate of the world depended on keeping peace? Imagine a time when powerful countries hold secret weapons that could change everything. Can anyone stop the tension from turning into disaster?

Themes

PeaceNuclear disarmamentArms control

Quick Assessment

This middle-grade fiction book explores the complex topic of nuclear disarmament and peace during a tense historical period. It introduces young readers to the challenges of arms control and political negotiations in an age-appropriate way, suitable for ages 9-12. Parents should note that the book deals with serious themes related to international conflict but does so without graphic content.

Why we rated The price of peace 11MT

The price of peace is written at a Level 6 reading level across 288 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The price of peace works for readers up to grade 8.0.

We rate The price of peace as 11MT ("Moderate — Thematic") because the content sits in the "Mild" range — mild conflict — the kind a child encounters in normal play and sibling life. The strongest signals come from thematic difficulty — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.

No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the mild intensity score.

Thematically, The price of peace explores peace, nuclear disarmament, and arms control — 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 peace, nuclear disarmament, arms control.
  • Curious kids who prefer real-world topics over made-up stories.

Maybe not for

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

For Parents

Content Intensity

11MT — Moderate — Thematic
Emotional
Light
Physical
Clear
Social
Light
Thematic
Moderate

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

1/10

A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.

Discussion Potential

1/10

A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

Vocabulary Level
5
Emotional Weight
4
Theme Richness
3
World Scope
1
Data Confidence
7

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Details

Book Length

288 pages
ISBN
9780805000412
Pages
288
Publisher
Henry Holt
Published
1986
Type
Nonfiction

Genres

Subjects

Nuclear DisarmamentNuclear Arms ControlPeaceGovernment PolicyNuclear WeaponsNuclear Warfare