The story of the U.S. Naval Academy
Clara Ann Simmons
The story of the U.S. Naval Academy
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Clara Ann Simmons
The text is written at a 4th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is gentle with no concerning themes.
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About This Book
The salty breeze carries the clang of ship bells and the steady march of boots on the deck. You can almost taste the ocean air as you walk through the halls where young midshipmen train to become heroes of the sea. Feel the pride and adventure echoing through 150 years of history — a journey that shapes brave hearts and strong minds.
Quick Assessment
This illustrated book offers a detailed history of the United States Naval Academy, focusing on the experiences of its midshipmen over 150 years. Suitable for readers aged 9-12, it provides an engaging introduction to military history without intense content, making it appropriate for middle-grade readers interested in history and service.
Why we rated The story of the U.S. Naval Academy 9C
The story of the U.S. Naval Academy is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 107 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The story of the U.S. Naval Academy works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate The story of the U.S. Naval Academy as 9C ("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 story of the U.S. Naval Academy explores historical, adventure, science & nature, 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 historical, adventure, science & nature.
- ✓ 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.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9C — ClearNo conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Safe for sensitive readers.
Was our "Gentle" 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
- 1557507678
- Pages
- 107
- Publisher
- Naval Institute Press
- Published
- 1995
- Type
- Nonfiction