Jade Rooster
R.L. Crossland
Jade Rooster
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by R.L. Crossland
The text is written at a 6th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content has moderate intensity with some emotionally heavy themes.
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About This Book
Jade Rooster dives into a world where two Americans uncover a dark mystery on the high seas of early 1900s Japan. When three severed heads are found floating in a missing ship's boat, danger and secrets swirl beneath the surface. What will they discover in the shadows of the Asiatic Fleet?
Quick Assessment
Set in early 20th century Japan, this historical fiction follows two American men investigating a grisly mystery involving severed heads and a missing ship. The story explores themes of violence and betrayal within the naval world, featuring mature content suitable for readers aged 9-12 who can handle suspenseful and intense moments. Parents should note the presence of brutal violence and complex historical settings.
Why we rated Jade Rooster 11MP
Jade Rooster is written at a Level 6 reading level across 264 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Jade Rooster works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Jade Rooster as 11MP ("Moderate — Physical") because the content sits in the "Moderate" range — moderate conflict that may involve loss, scary scenes, or interpersonal stakes. The strongest signals come from physical peril, thematic difficulty — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Violence.
Thematically, Jade Rooster explores historical, adventure, mystery, 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.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about historical, adventure, mystery.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers who get easily upset by emotional or moderately dark scenes — the conflict here is real, not just background flavor.
- ! Children who are sensitive to violence, even when handled at age-appropriate levels.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11MP — Moderate — PhysicalReal stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.
Content Flags
Was our "Moderate" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
3/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780977997701
- Pages
- 264
- Publisher
- Broadsides Press
- Published
- September 1, 2006
- Type
- Fiction