William Penn (Biographies from American History)
Michael O'Malley, Corinn Codye Scott, James Balkovek
William Penn (Biographies from American History)
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Michael O'Malley, Corinn Codye Scott, James Balkovek
The text is written at a 2nd grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for teens (ages 13+), and the content is gentle with no concerning themes.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
William Penn stands before a crowd, his voice steady as he shares his bold dream of a peaceful land where everyone is free. But not everyone is ready to listen, and danger looms nearby. What will happen when his vision is put to the ultimate test?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This accessible biography introduces young readers to William Penn, the founder of Pennsylvania, highlighting his vision for religious freedom and peaceful coexistence. Written for middle school readers, the book presents historical facts with engaging storytelling, suitable for ages 13-18. There is no graphic content, making it appropriate for educational use in classrooms or at home.
Why we rated William Penn (Biographies from American History) 7C
William Penn (Biographies from American History) is written at a Level 2 reading level across 32 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 3.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, William Penn (Biographies from American History) works for readers up to grade 4.0.
We rate William Penn (Biographies from American History) as 7C ("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, William Penn (Biographies from American History) explores historical, biography, social justice, family, and coming of age — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 13+ 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, biography, social justice.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
7C — ClearNo conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Safe for sensitive readers.
Was our "Gentle" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
William Penn
Kieran Walsh
William Penn
Kieran Walsh
William Penn
Janey Levy
William Penn
Janey Levy
The Pennsylvania colony
Jean Kinney Williams
The Pennsylvania colony
Jean Kinney Williams
Pennsylvania
Dennis B. Fradin
Pennsylvania
Dennis B. Fradin
William Penn
Bernadette L. Baczynski
William Penn
Bernadette L. Baczynski
William Penn
Janet Benge
William Penn
Janet Benge
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781555550264
- Pages
- 32
- Publisher
- Fearon/Janus/Quercus
- Published
- June 1990
- Type
- Fiction