A child's anthology of poetry
Elizabeth Hauge Sword
A child's anthology of poetry
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Elizabeth Hauge Sword
The text is written at a 7th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is gentle with no concerning themes.
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About This Book
The room buzzes with the hush of voices as a poem leaps off the page — words dancing like sparks in the air. Suddenly, a wild 'Jabberwocky' crashes in, twisting and turning, ready to challenge everything you thought about poems. What secret magic will unfold next?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This anthology offers a rich collection of classic and contemporary poems carefully selected for children ages 9 to 12. It introduces young readers to a wide variety of poetic styles and voices, fostering an early appreciation for language and storytelling. The collection includes well-known poets alongside modern voices, making it a valuable literary resource without any content concerns.
Why we rated A child's anthology of poetry 12C
A child's anthology of poetry is written at a Level 7 reading level across 323 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 8.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, A child's anthology of poetry works for readers up to grade 9.0.
We rate A child's anthology of poetry as 12C ("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, A child's anthology of poetry explores children's poetry, literature, language, and multicultural — 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.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about children's poetry, literature, language.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers whose emotional readiness lags behind their decoding skills — this book's intensity outruns its reading level, a classic "gifted kid" mismatch.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
12C — 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
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Anthology
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780880013789
- Pages
- 323
- Publisher
- Ecco
- Published
- 1995
- Type
- Fiction