Washington's War (Blast to the Past)
Stacia Deutsch
Washington's War (Blast to the Past)
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Stacia Deutsch
Illustrated by Guy Francis
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 mild with minimal sensitive material.
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About This Book
The crackle of campfires and the sharp scent of pine fill the chilly air as Abigail steps into the past. Snow crunches beneath her boots, and the distant drumbeats of war echo through the frosty woods. With her friends by her side, she faces a moment that could change history forever—and the weight of courage fills her heart.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This historical fiction chapter book follows Abigail and her friends as they time-travel to the American Revolutionary War era, where they must persuade General Washington to stay at Valley Forge. Suitable for ages 9-12, it offers an engaging introduction to this pivotal moment in U.S. history with accessible language and age-appropriate themes. There is mild peril related to the wartime setting but no graphic content.
Why we rated Washington's War (Blast to the Past) 9LE
Washington's War (Blast to the Past) is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 128 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Washington's War (Blast to the Past) works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Washington's War (Blast to the Past) 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, Washington's War (Blast to the Past) explores historical, adventure, friendship, people & places - united states, and coming of age — 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, adventure, friendship.
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
2/10A 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
- 9781416933908
- Pages
- 128
- Publisher
- Simon and Schuster
- Published
- January 9, 2007
- Type
- Fiction