What Was the Great Molasses Flood Of 1919?
Kirsten Anderson
What Was the Great Molasses Flood Of 1919?
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Kirsten Anderson
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
Have you ever wondered what would happen if a giant wave of sticky molasses flooded a city? On a warm day in 1919, Boston's streets turned into a sticky, swirling mess as a huge tank burst open. What caused this surprising disaster, and how did the city cope with the sticky chaos?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This book explores the Great Molasses Flood of 1919 in Boston, detailing the events leading up to the disaster and its aftermath. Written for children ages 9-12, it offers an engaging historical account suitable for middle-grade readers, with clear explanations and age-appropriate content. The book provides an accessible introduction to this unusual event in American history without graphic or distressing details.
Why we rated What Was the Great Molasses Flood Of 1919? 9LE
What Was the Great Molasses Flood Of 1919? 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, What Was the Great Molasses Flood Of 1919? works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate What Was the Great Molasses Flood Of 1919? 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, What Was the Great Molasses Flood Of 1919? weaves together history and america.
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 history, america.
- ✓ 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
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781536484298
- Pages
- 112
- Publisher
- Penguin Workshop
- Published
- 2024
- Type
- Nonfiction