What reading level is Up close?

Up close by James Sutherland is at a Level 6 reading level. Recommended for Middle Grades readers (Ages 9-12).

What age is Up close appropriate for?

Up close is recommended for Ages 9-12. HootRating: 11C (Clear).

What genre is Up close?

Up close is nonfiction — Juvenile Nonfiction.

Does Up close have any content warnings?

Up close has a HootRating of 11C (Clear). No specific content flags noted. On HootRated, every book is rated across four dimensions — emotional, physical, social, and thematic — to help parents make informed choices.

How many pages is Up close?

Up close by James Sutherland is 260 pages.

Reviewed by HootRated editorial · Last updated September 7, 2026

Up close

James Sutherland

Up close

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

A Twentieth-century Life

by James Sutherland

Reading Level 6 11C 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.

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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 11C

Up close is written at a Level 6 reading level across 260 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Up close works for readers up to grade 8.0.

We rate Up close as 11C ("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, 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.
✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
✓ 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 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.