Captain Cobwebb and the mischief man
Gordon Boshell
Captain Cobwebb and the mischief man
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Gordon Boshell
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
Toby Green draws a silly mouth on a mysterious figure he and his brother David are creating when suddenly, the mouth opens wide, revealing sharp yellow teeth! A strange metallic voice growls out, sending chills down Toby's spine. What will happen next as the mischief man comes to life?
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fiction follows Toby and his brother as they encounter a magical and mischievous figure brought to life. The story blends imaginative adventure with light suspense suitable for ages 9 to 12. Parents should note mild fantasy elements and some thrilling moments that are typical for this age group.
Why we rated Captain Cobwebb and the mischief man 9LP
Captain Cobwebb and the mischief man is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 130 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Captain Cobwebb and the mischief man works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Captain Cobwebb and the mischief man as 9LP ("Light — Physical") 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, Captain Cobwebb and the mischief man explores adventure, fantasy world-building, 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.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about adventure, fantasy world-building, friendship.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9LP — Light — PhysicalLight 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
- 0354080091
- Pages
- 130
- Publisher
- Macdonald and Jane's
- Published
- 1977
- Type
- Fiction