The race
Kåre Holt
The race
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
a novel of polar exploration
by Kåre Holt
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 two brave explorers raced across the freezing, endless ice of Antarctica? Imagine the biting cold and endless white stretching before Roald Amundsen and Robert Scott as they push themselves to be the first to reach the South Pole. But in this daring adventure, every step could be the difference between triumph and tragedy.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This historical fiction novel centers on the intense race between Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen and British explorer Robert Scott to be the first to reach the South Pole. Suitable for readers aged 9-12, it offers insight into early 20th-century exploration, highlighting themes of courage and determination. Parents should note that the story includes elements of harsh environmental conditions and the challenges faced by explorers in Antarctica.
Why we rated The race 11LE
The race is written at a Level 6 reading level across 255 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The race works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate The race 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 race explores adventure, historical, explorers, 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.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about adventure, historical, explorers.
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
2/10A 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
- 0440071984
- Pages
- 255
- Publisher
- Delacorte Press
- Published
- 1976
- Type
- Fiction