Blackjack
Ellen F. Feld
Blackjack
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
Dreaming of a Morgan Horse
by Ellen F. Feld
The text is written at a 4th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for teens (ages 13+), and the content is gentle with no concerning themes.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
What if the horse from your dreams was real, waiting just for you? Imagine meeting a stunning black Morgan horse that feels like a friend from another world. But can Heather and Blackjack overcome the challenges ahead to stay together?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This young adult novel follows Heather Richardson as she connects deeply with a mysterious black Morgan horse she's seen only in her dreams. Suitable for readers aged 13 to 18, it explores themes of friendship, dreams, and the bond between humans and animals. The story is appropriate for middle to high school readers with mild emotional themes.
Why we rated Blackjack 9C
Blackjack is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 199 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Blackjack works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Blackjack as 9C ("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, Blackjack explores horses, friendship, coming of age, and adventure — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 13+ range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about horses, friendship, coming of age.
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
9C — ClearNo conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Safe for sensitive readers.
Was our "Gentle" 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
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
The Black Stallion
Walter Farley
The Black Stallion
Walter Farley
Blackjack
Ellen F. Feld
Blackjack
Ellen F. Feld
Rimfire
Ellen F. Feld
Rimfire
Ellen F. Feld
The black stallion's filly
Walter Farley
The black stallion's filly
Walter Farley
Dream of Night
Heather Henson
Dream of Night
Heather Henson
Black Beauty
June Brigman
Black Beauty
June Brigman
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780970900234
- Pages
- 199
- Publisher
- Willow Bend Pub
- Published
- May 2004
- Type
- Fiction