In a dark wood
Michael Cadnum
In a dark wood
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Michael Cadnum
The text is written at a 6th 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 Sheriff of Nottingham is the cleverest lawman in the kingdom — but even he can’t catch Robin Hood. Robin’s tricks and daring escapes show that sometimes breaking the rules means standing up for what’s right. What happens when the chase becomes more than just a game?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade novel retells the classic Robin Hood legend, focusing on the Sheriff of Nottingham’s pursuit of the famous outlaw. Suitable for ages 9-12, it offers adventure and suspense with themes of justice and cleverness. There is mild peril and some conflict, but no graphic content, making it appropriate for young readers.
Why we rated In a dark wood 11LE
In a dark wood is written at a Level 6 reading level across 246 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, In a dark wood works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate In a dark wood as 11LE ("Light — Emotional") 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, In a dark wood explores adventure, friendship, historical, robin hood, and justice — 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, friendship, historical.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11LE — Light — EmotionalLight 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
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0531300714
- Pages
- 246
- Publisher
- Scholastic Inc.
- Published
- 1998
- Type
- Fiction