Captain Hornblower, R.N.

C. S. Forester

Cover of Captain Hornblower, R.N.

Captain Hornblower, R.N.

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by C. S. Forester

Reading Level 8 Mild (Lvl 2) Ages 9-12 Balanced Read

The text is written at a 8th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.

Find on Amazon

We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.

About This Book

Here’s a secret: Captain Hornblower isn’t just any sailor—he’s a clever and brave leader facing the fierce challenges of the high seas during a time of war. With every daring mission, he proves that courage and quick thinking can turn the tide, but that’s only the beginning.

Themes

HistoricalAdventureComing of AgeWar & Conflict

Quick Assessment

Captain Hornblower, R.N. follows the adventures of a resourceful naval captain during the Peninsular War, set between 1807 and 1814. Suitable for middle-grade readers, this historical fiction blends action and strategy with themes of bravery and leadership, providing an engaging look at naval warfare and early 19th-century history. Parents should note the presence of mild peril related to wartime naval battles.

For Parents

Content Intensity

Level 2 — Mild
Gentle Mild Moderate Intense Very Intense

Light conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.

Content Flags

Mild Peril Historical War Themes
Data confidence: standard

Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?

Reading Insights

Hook Factor

2/10

A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.

Discussion Potential

3/10

A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

Vocabulary Level
7
Emotional Weight
4
Theme Richness
6
World Scope
5
Data Confidence
7

Similar Books

Based on content and theme analysis

Hero of the high seas

Michael L. Cooper

Cover of Hero of the high seas

Hero of the high seas

Michael L. Cooper

Level 7 Mild

Horatio

Max M. Mintz

Cover of Horatio

Horatio

Max M. Mintz

Level 7 Mild

Captains courageous

Rudyard Kipling

Cover of Captains courageous

Captains courageous

Rudyard Kipling

Level 5 Mild

To brave the seas

David McRobbie

Cover of To brave the seas

To brave the seas

David McRobbie

Level 6 Moderate

John Paul Jones, Victory at Sea

Scott Waldman

Cover of John Paul Jones, Victory at Sea

John Paul Jones, Victory at Sea

Scott Waldman

Level 2 Mild

Civil War at Sea

Jones

Cover of Civil War at Sea

Civil War at Sea

Jones

Level 5 Moderate
See all books like this →

Details

Book Length

638 pages
ISBN
071810076X
Pages
638
Publisher
M. Joseph
Published
1939
Type
Fiction

Genres

Great Britain

Subjects

Peninsular War, 1807-1814Peninsular War, 1807-1814 in FictionHoratio HornblowerNaval HistoryGreat Britain in FictionNapoleonic Wars, 1800-1815 in FictionNapoleonic Wars, 1800-1815

Places

Great Britain