The tavern at the ferry
Edwin Tunis
The tavern at the ferry
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Edwin Tunis
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
Did you know that a simple tavern by the river was at the heart of a secret plan that changed history? Hidden in the buzz of settlers and travelers, a daring crossing was about to unfold—but that's only the beginning.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This historical fiction explores the early settlements and social customs along the Delaware River, setting the stage for George Washington's famous crossing during the Battle of Trenton in 1776. Suitable for readers aged 9-12, it provides an engaging look at colonial life and pivotal events in American history with accessible language for middle-grade readers.
Why we rated The tavern at the ferry 9LS
The tavern at the ferry is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 109 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The tavern at the ferry works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate The tavern at the ferry as 9LS ("Light — Social") 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 tavern at the ferry explores historical, social life and customs, and adventure — 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, social life and customs, adventure.
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
9LS — Light — SocialNo 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
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780690000993
- Pages
- 109
- Publisher
- Ty Crowell Company
- Published
- 1973
- Type
- Fiction