When Washington crossed the Delaware
Cheney, Lynne V.
When Washington crossed the Delaware
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
A Wintertime Story for Young Patriots
by Cheney, Lynne V.
The text is written at a 2nd grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for younger children (ages 5–8), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.
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About This Book
George Washington didn’t just lead an army—he led a daring mission that no one thought could succeed! On a freezing Christmas night, he crossed an icy river to surprise the enemy and change history forever. This story shows how bravery and love for your country can make the impossible possible.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This book presents a simplified, engaging narrative of George Washington’s crossing of the Delaware River and the subsequent battle of Trenton aimed at early readers (ages 5-8). It highlights themes of patriotism, leadership, and persistence in a way that is accessible for young children, with no intense or graphic content. Parents can expect a historically inspired fictional account suitable for introducing foundational American history and heroism.
Why we rated When Washington crossed the Delaware 7LE
When Washington crossed the Delaware is written at a Level 2 reading level across 40 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 3.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, When Washington crossed the Delaware works for readers up to grade 4.0.
We rate When Washington crossed the Delaware as 7LE ("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, When Washington crossed the Delaware explores historical, patriotism, leadership, adventure, and family — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 5-8 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, patriotism, leadership.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
7LE — 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
- 9781442444232
- Pages
- 40
- Publisher
- Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books
- Published
- 2012
- Type
- Fiction