Against the Tide
Tui Sutherland
Against the Tide
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Tui Sutherland
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
Conor darts through the dense jungle, heart pounding as the sound of approaching footsteps grows louder. Abeke signals him to hide, but how can they keep the talismans safe when one of their own might be a traitor? The secrets they hold could change everything, but danger is closing in fast.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fantasy adventure follows four young heroes on a quest to find powerful talismans in a tropical setting. The story includes themes of trust, betrayal, and teamwork, with some moments of mild peril appropriate for ages 9-12. Parents should note the presence of suspense and action but no graphic content.
Why we rated Against the Tide 9LE
Against the Tide is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 180 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Against the Tide works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Against the Tide 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, Against the Tide explores adventure, fantasy & magic, friendship, trust and betrayal, and animals — 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 adventure, fantasy & magic, friendship.
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
2/10A 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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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780545522472
- Pages
- 180
- Publisher
- Scholastic Incorporated
- Published
- 2014-09-30
- Type
- Fiction