The race
Kåre Holt
The race
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
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 explorers raced to the coldest place on Earth, each determined to be the first to reach the South Pole? Imagine the biting wind and endless ice as Robert Scott and Roald Amundsen battle not just nature but time itself. Who will win this daring adventure, and what sacrifices will they have to make?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This historical fiction novel recounts the intense race to the South Pole between Robert Scott and Roald Amundsen, highlighting themes of perseverance, exploration, and rivalry. Suitable for middle-grade readers, it presents challenging conditions and the spirit of early 20th-century polar expeditions without graphic content. Parents should note the story includes realistic depictions of harsh environments and the physical demands faced by explorers.
Why we rated The race 11LE
The race is written at a Level 6 reading level across 256 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, friendship, and perseverance — 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, friendship.
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
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0718115031
- Pages
- 256
- Publisher
- Michael Joseph
- Published
- 1976
- Type
- Fiction