What reading level is We the children?

We the children by Andrew Clements is at a Level 5-6 reading level (Lexile 860L). Recommended for Middle Grades readers (Ages 9-12).

What age is We the children appropriate for?

We the children is recommended for Ages 9-12. HootRating: 10LP (Light — Physical). Content flags: Mild Peril.

What genre is We the children?

We the children is fiction — Juvenile Fiction. Part of the Benjamin Pratt & the Keepers of the School series.

Does We the children have any content warnings?

We the children has a HootRating of 10LP (Light — Physical). Content flags include: Mild Peril. On HootRated, every book is rated across four dimensions — emotional, physical, social, and thematic — to help parents make informed choices.

How many pages is We the children?

We the children by Andrew Clements is 160 pages (approximately 22,687 words).

Reviewed by HootRated editorial · Last updated May 18, 2026

We the children

Andrew Clements

We the children

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Andrew Clements

Benjamin Pratt & the Keepers of the School

Reading Level 5-6 10LP Ages 9-12 Balanced Read Page-Turner

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

Ben and Jill stumble upon a hidden past about their school that puts them in unexpected trouble. Together, they work to stop a developer from tearing down their beloved building to build an amusement park. Their bravery and friendship shine as they fight to protect their community's history.

Themes

Friendship Adventure Social Justice Historical

Quick Assessment

This is a Level 5-6 book with mild content intensity. Content themes include mild peril. Written for readers ages 9-12.

Why we rated We the children 10LP

We the children is written at a Level 5-6 reading level with a Lexile measure of 860L across 160 pages (approximately 22,687 words). Strong independent readers around grade 6.2 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, We the children works for readers up to grade 7.2.

Read aloud, We the children runs about 2.5 hours — long enough to span several bedtime sessions.

We rate We the children as 10LP ("Light — Physical") 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.

Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Mild Peril.

Thematically, We the children explores friendship, adventure, social justice, and historical — 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.
✓ Reluctant readers who need fast-paced, hook-heavy stories to stay engaged.
✓ Kids drawn to stories about friendship, adventure, social justice.