King's arrow
Douglas Bond
King's arrow
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Douglas Bond
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
What would you do if standing up for what you believe in could put your family in danger? In 1679 Scotland, young Angus M'Kethe faces fierce battles and tough choices as he and his family fight to keep their faith alive. How far will they go to protect their beliefs when the king's arrow is aimed right at them?
Themes
Quick Assessment
Set in 17th-century Scotland, this historical fiction follows sixteen-year-old Angus M'Kethe as he and his family endure persecution for their Covenanter faith. The story explores themes of religious conviction, family loyalty, and courage amidst conflict, making it suitable for middle-grade readers interested in history and moral challenges. While it contains references to battle and persecution, the content is handled with sensitivity appropriate for ages 9 to 12.
Why we rated King's arrow 11ME
King's arrow is written at a Level 6 reading level across 215 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, King's arrow works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate King's arrow as 11ME ("Moderate — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Moderate" range — moderate conflict that may involve loss, scary scenes, or interpersonal stakes. The strongest signals come from emotional weight, physical peril — 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 moderate intensity score.
Thematically, King's arrow explores historical, religion, coming of age, family, and courage — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers. Each of these themes is concrete enough to seed a real conversation, not just a moral lesson.
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.
- ✓ Readers ready to talk through themes after they finish — there's enough substance for a meaningful conversation.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about historical, religion, coming of age.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers who get easily upset by emotional or moderately dark scenes — the conflict here is real, not just background flavor.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11ME — Moderate — EmotionalReal stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.
Was our "Moderate" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
5/10Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0875527434
- Pages
- 215
- Publisher
- Crown & Covenant
- Published
- 2003
- Type
- Fiction