Frank on a Gun-Boat (Dodo Press)
Harry Castlemon
Frank on a Gun-Boat (Dodo Press)
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Harry Castlemon
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
The roar of cannon fire shakes the sky as Frank clings to the deck of the gun-boat, his heart pounding faster than the waves crashing around him. Enemy ships are closing in, and every second counts. Will Frank find a way to turn the tide before it's too late?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This classic adventure novel follows young Frank aboard a gun-boat as he faces thrilling challenges on the high seas. Suitable for readers ages 9 to 12, it offers exciting action scenes and themes of bravery and perseverance. Parents should note the presence of mild peril typical of adventure stories but no graphic content.
Why we rated Frank on a Gun-Boat (Dodo Press) 9LP
Frank on a Gun-Boat (Dodo Press) is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 152 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Frank on a Gun-Boat (Dodo Press) works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Frank on a Gun-Boat (Dodo Press) 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, Frank on a Gun-Boat (Dodo Press) explores adventure, action & adventure, friendship, and courage — 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, action & adventure, 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
- 9781406513103
- Pages
- 152
- Publisher
- Dodo Press
- Published
- December 7, 2006
- Type
- Fiction