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The true story behind Lincoln's Gettysburg address
Jennifer L. Armstrong
The true story behind Lincoln's Gettysburg address
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Jennifer L. Armstrong
Illustrated by Lorenz, Albert, illustrator
The text is written at a 5th 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 a single speech could change the course of history? Imagine standing where Abraham Lincoln spoke at Gettysburg, hearing his words that honored bravery and called for unity. But what secrets lie behind those few powerful minutes?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This historical fiction book explores the background and significance of Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address, providing young readers with an accessible view of this pivotal moment in American history. Suitable for ages 9-12, it touches on themes of the Civil War and slavery with sensitivity appropriate for middle-grade readers. The story offers insight into Lincoln's leadership and the impact of his words during a time of national conflict.
Why we rated The true story behind Lincoln's Gettysburg address 10MS
The true story behind Lincoln's Gettysburg address is written at a Level 5-6 reading level with a Lexile measure of 890L across 87 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 6.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The true story behind Lincoln's Gettysburg address works for readers up to grade 7.5.
We rate The true story behind Lincoln's Gettysburg address as 10MS ("Moderate — Social") 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 social complexity — 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 true story behind Lincoln's Gettysburg address explores historical, war, slavery, coming of age, and american civil war — 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, war, slavery.
- ✓ 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
10MS — Moderate — SocialLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A 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
- 9781442493889
- Pages
- 87
- Publisher
- Simon and Schuster
- Published
- 2013
- Type
- Nonfiction
- Lexile
- 890L