Black Powder
Ally Sherrick
Black Powder
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Ally Sherrick
The text is written at a 6th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content has moderate intensity with some emotionally heavy themes.
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About This Book
Tom is the bravest twelve-year-old in England because he's got to stop a deadly plot against the king—and save his dad from the noose. When a mysterious stranger called the Falcon offers help, can Tom trust him, or is danger lurking even closer? This mission might be the most dangerous secret of all.
Quick Assessment
Set in England in 1605, this middle-grade historical fiction follows twelve-year-old Tom as he embarks on a perilous journey to save his father from execution and prevent an assassination attempt on the king. The story explores themes of courage, trust, and loyalty, suitable for ages 9 to 12. While the narrative involves suspense and historical violence, it remains appropriate for middle-grade readers with parental guidance.
Why we rated Black Powder 11ME
Black Powder is written at a Level 6 reading level across 253 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Black Powder works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Black Powder as 11ME ("Moderate — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Moderate" range — moderate conflict that may involve loss, scary scenes, or interpersonal stakes. The strongest signals come from emotional weight, physical peril — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the moderate intensity score.
Thematically, Black Powder explores adventure, historical, family, and friendship — 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 adventure, historical, family.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers who get easily upset by emotional or moderately dark scenes — the conflict here is real, not just background flavor.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11ME — Moderate — EmotionalReal stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.
Was our "Moderate" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
2/10A 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
- 9781910655658
- Pages
- 253
- Publisher
- Chicken House
- Published
- 2016
- Type
- Fiction