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Cover of THE DAY THE PRESIDENT WAS SHOT

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THE DAY THE PRESIDENT WAS SHOT

Bill O'Reilly

An account of the attempted assassination of Reagan in 1981. (Ages 10 to 14)

Ages 14+Source checked

Why this age? The book centers on a real political shooting and includes mature historical detail about violence, injury, trauma, and its consequences; its narrative nonfiction complexity also suits teens and adults. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age14+

Strongest cautions

  • Frightening scenes4/5
  • Violence4/5
  • Graphic injury3/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Educational value4/5
  • Good role models3/5

What’s in it?

Death of a character2/5
Why this rating?

The book discusses the extreme danger to life during the event, though President Reagan survived.

Graphic injury3/5
Why this rating?

Contains clinical descriptions of gunshot wounds and the medical trauma sustained by the victims.

Strong language1/5
Why this rating?

Contains occasional mild language appropriate for a historical journalistic style.

Religious themes1/5
Why this rating?

Religion is not a significant subject of the narrative.

Romance1/5
Why this rating?

Romance is not a meaningful focus of this historical account.

Frightening scenes4/5
Why this rating?

A real assassination and medical emergency create sustained, serious danger. The subject is disturbing, though it is presented as historical nonfiction rather than horror.

Alcohol or drugs1/5
Why this rating?

Brief mention of social drinking or habits of historical figures.

Violence4/5
Why this rating?

The attempted assassination, shooting, weapons, emergency response, and investigation are central and described seriously.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

Responders and staff show principled bravery during a life-threatening attack, making courage a prominent theme without presenting recklessness as admirable.

Creativity & curiosity1/5
Why this rating?

Primarily factual and analytical rather than creative.

Diverse representation1/5
Why this rating?

Reflects the political landscape of the 1980s with limited diversity.

Educational value4/5
Why this rating?

It provides substantial historical context about Reagan, the Secret Service, presidential security, medicine, and the investigation.

Kindness & empathy1/5
Why this rating?

Little focus on kindness; more on historical events.

Positive messages3/5
Why this rating?

It encourages reflection on political violence, public service, accountability, and resilience, though its primary purpose is recounting history rather than teaching a single moral.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

Secret Service agents, doctors, and other responders model professionalism and duty, while the broader historical figures are presented with more mixed qualities.

Family discussion

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Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What did courage look like in this story? Was being brave always the same as being fearless?
  2. Which moment felt most tense or frightening? What helped the characters handle fear?
  3. Which choice in THE DAY THE PRESIDENT WAS SHOT would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in THE DAY THE PRESIDENT WAS SHOT, and what caused that change?
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These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

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