Up close

Name: Up close
Author: James Sutherland
ISBN: 9780670063451

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

A Twentieth-century Life

by James Sutherland

Reading Level 6 C · Gentle Ages 9-12 Balanced Read

A Junior Library Guild selection

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 gentle with no concerning themes. Its HootRating code, C, means gentle content.

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About This Book

The roar of the crowd fills the air, mixed with flashes from cameras capturing every moment. Feel the excitement as a Hollywood star steps into a new spotlight—not on the silver screen, but in the halls of power. What challenges will await this unexpected leader as he takes on the biggest role of all?

Themes

BiographyHistoricalPoliticsLeadership

Quick Assessment

This middle-grade biography introduces readers to Ronald Reagan’s journey from a movie actor to the governor of California and eventually the President of the United States. Suitable for ages 9-12, the book offers a straightforward look at his career and public life without heavy political analysis or complex vocabulary, making it accessible for young readers interested in history and leadership.

Why we rated Up close C (Gentle)

Up close is written at a Level 6 reading level across 260 pages. Reading-wise, most kids in grade 7 and up can manage Up close on their own; younger readers can enjoy it with a parent or teacher reading along.

We rate Up close as C (Gentle) 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, Up close explores biography, historical, politics, and leadership — 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.
✓ Kids drawn to stories about biography, historical, politics.
✓ Readers (and parents) who care about award-recognized writing — Up close carries an award.
✓ Curious kids who prefer real-world topics over made-up stories.

Maybe not for

! Readers looking for something heavier — this is a gentle, low-stakes story by design.

For Parents

Content Intensity

C · Gentle

Emotional

Gentle

Physical

Gentle

Social

Gentle

Thematic

Gentle

Reading the HootRating code: the first letter is the content intensity (C = Gentle · L = Mild · M = Moderate · I = Intense · V = Very Intense); the second, when there is one, is the kind of content that drives it (E = Emotional · P = Physical · S = Social · T = Thematic). Reading level and age range are rated separately. How we rate

No conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Safe for sensitive readers.

Data confidence: standard

Was our "Gentle" content intensity rating accurate for this book?