Thomas Paine: Great Writer of the Revolution (Signature Lives: Revolutionary War Era)
Michael Burgan
Thomas Paine: Great Writer of the Revolution (Signature Lives: Revolutionary War Era)
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
Great Writer of the Revolution
by Michael Burgan
The text is written at a 4th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for teens (ages 13+), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.
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About This Book
The crackling pages of a pamphlet whisper ideas that changed a nation. Feel the tension in the cold, damp walls of a French prison where one man’s spirit refused to break. His words sparked a revolution, but his journey was far from over.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This biography explores the life of Thomas Paine, the influential writer behind 'Common Sense' and a key figure in American history. Suitable for middle school readers, it covers his political writings, imprisonment in France, and lasting impact. The book offers historical context with accessible language, making it a solid choice for young readers interested in the Revolutionary War era.
Why we rated Thomas Paine: Great Writer of the Revolution (Signature Lives: Revolutionary War Era) 9LE
Thomas Paine: Great Writer of the Revolution (Signature Lives: Revolutionary War Era) is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 112 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Thomas Paine: Great Writer of the Revolution (Signature Lives: Revolutionary War Era) works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Thomas Paine: Great Writer of the Revolution (Signature Lives: Revolutionary War Era) as 9LE ("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, Thomas Paine: Great Writer of the Revolution (Signature Lives: Revolutionary War Era) explores biography, historical, american history, revolutionary war, and nonfiction — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 13+ range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about biography, historical, american history.
- ✓ 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
9LE — Light — EmotionalLight 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
- 9780756510763
- Pages
- 112
- Publisher
- Capstone
- Published
- January 2005
- Type
- Nonfiction