Knight with armour.

Alfred Leo Duggan

Cover of Knight with armour.

Knight with armour.

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Alfred Leo Duggan

Reading Level 7 12ME Ages 9-12 Balanced Read

The text is written at a 7th 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.

We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.

About This Book

Here's a secret: being a knight isn't as glorious as the songs say. Roger starts his journey full of hope, but the real crusade reveals shadows no one sings about. And that's only the beginning.

Themes

HistoricalAdventureComing of AgeKnights and KnighthoodCrusades

Quick Assessment

This historical novel follows a young knight named Roger through the First Crusades, offering an authentic look at medieval warfare and the harsh realities behind the romanticized tales. Suitable for ages 9-12, it explores themes of bravery, disillusionment, and the brutal truth of war during the late 11th century. Parents should note the depiction of battle and historical violence is handled with a realistic but age-appropriate tone.

For Parents

Content Intensity

12ME — Moderate — Emotional
Emotional
Moderate
Physical
Moderate
Social
Light
Thematic
Light

Real stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.

Data confidence: standard

Was our "Moderate" content intensity rating accurate for this book?

Reading Insights

Hook Factor

2/10

A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.

Discussion Potential

4/10

Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

Vocabulary Level
6
Emotional Weight
6
Theme Richness
5
World Scope
3
Data Confidence
7

Similar Books

Based on content and theme analysis

See all books like this →

Details

Book Length

303 pages
ISBN
0450013731
Pages
303
Publisher
New English Library
Published
1973
Type
Fiction

Genres

Crusades

Subjects

CrusadesFirst, 1096-1099Knights and Knighthood