Joshua Cross
Diane Redmond
Joshua Cross
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Diane Redmond
The text is written at a 6th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for teens (ages 13+), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.
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About This Book
What if a monstrous Centaur suddenly appeared chasing you through the streets of London? Imagine racing along the Thames Embankment, heart pounding, as you try to escape a terrifying enemy. Joshua and his friends must uncover the mystery behind Leirtod, the Centaur’s master, before it’s too late.
Themes
Quick Assessment
Joshua Cross is a middle-grade adventure set in London, where a group of friends encounters mythical creatures and faces dangerous challenges. The story blends historical fiction with fantasy elements, suitable for readers aged 10 to 15. Parents should note the presence of mild peril and fantasy violence as the characters navigate suspenseful encounters.
Why we rated Joshua Cross 11LP
Joshua Cross is written at a Level 6 reading level across 208 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Joshua Cross works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Joshua Cross as 11LP ("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, Joshua Cross explores adventure, historical fiction, and fantasy — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 13+ 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, historical fiction, fantasy.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11LP — 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
- 9781840464665
- Pages
- 208
- Publisher
- Wizard Books
- Published
- June 5, 2003
- Type
- Fiction