Arly
Robert Newton Peck
Arly
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Robert Newton Peck
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
Arly Poole wipes sweat from his brow as the scorching sun beats down on Jailtown's dusty fields. Just when he thinks his fate is sealed as a field worker like his father, a new teacher arrives in town, bringing whispers of a different future. But can Arly break free from the shadows of the past?
Themes
Quick Assessment
Set in 1927 Florida, this middle-grade novel follows Arly Poole, a boy facing the harsh realities of life as a field worker under a cruel boss. When a schoolteacher arrives, Arly begins to see new possibilities beyond his family's hard labor. The story touches on themes of hope, social hardship, and the impact of education, suitable for readers ages 9 to 12.
Why we rated Arly 9LS
Arly is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 153 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Arly works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Arly as 9LS ("Light — Social") 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, Arly explores teachers, historical, 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 9-12 range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Readers ready to talk through themes after they finish — there's enough substance for a meaningful conversation.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about teachers, historical, family.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9LS — Light — SocialLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
4/10Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0802768563
- Pages
- 153
- Publisher
- Walker & Company
- Published
- 1989
- Type
- Fiction