King oil.
Max Catto
King oil.
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Max Catto
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
King Oil is not just a story about oil—it's a tale of power, greed, and the wild Texas landscape where fortunes are made and lost. Meet characters who will stop at nothing to control the black gold flowing beneath the ground, revealing why oil changed everything. This story shows how one resource can shape a whole world.
Quick Assessment
King Oil explores the early days of the petroleum industry in Texas through a fictional narrative suitable for readers aged 9 to 12. It introduces themes of industry, trade, and ambition without graphic content, making it an engaging historical fiction choice for middle-grade readers. Parents should be aware that the book includes complex vocabulary and explores economic and social dynamics related to the oil trade.
Why we rated King oil. 11MT
King oil. is written at a Level 6 reading level across 287 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, King oil. works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate King oil. as 11MT ("Moderate — Thematic") because the content sits in the "Mild" range — mild conflict — the kind a child encounters in normal play and sibling life. The strongest signals come from thematic difficulty — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the mild intensity score.
Thematically, King oil. explores historical, adventure, science & nature, and family — 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 historical, adventure, science & nature.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11MT — Moderate — ThematicLight 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
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0671204815
- Pages
- 287
- Publisher
- Simon and Schuster
- Published
- 1970
- Type
- Fiction