Mayflower bastard
Lindsay, David
Mayflower bastard
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
A Stranger Among the Pilgrims
by Lindsay, David
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.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
Richard More wasn’t your typical Mayflower passenger—he had a wild streak and got into all kinds of trouble! From daring adventures to shocking secrets, his story shows how the first settlers lived, struggled, and shaped a new world. What will happen when history’s biggest mysteries come to life?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade historical fiction explores the life of Richard More, a complex figure among the early Mayflower settlers. It presents an honest look at colonial history, including themes of morality, hardship, and social challenges, suitable for readers aged 9-12 who can handle nuanced characters and historical context. Parents should note some references to unseemly behavior and witch trials, portrayed in an age-appropriate manner.
Why we rated Mayflower bastard 11ME
Mayflower bastard is written at a Level 6 reading level across 262 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Mayflower bastard works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Mayflower bastard 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, social complexity, 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 moderate intensity score.
Thematically, Mayflower bastard explores historical, biography, family, and coming of age — 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, biography, family.
- ✓ Curious kids who prefer real-world topics over made-up stories.
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
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Life as a Passenger on the Mayflower
MS Laura L Sullivan
Life as a Passenger on the Mayflower
MS Laura L Sullivan
The Plymouth Colony
Pamela Dell
The Plymouth Colony
Pamela Dell
The Mayflower and the Pilgrim Fathers
Richard Tames
The Mayflower and the Pilgrim Fathers
Richard Tames
On The Mayflower
Kate Waters
On The Mayflower
Kate Waters
The voyage of the Mayflower
Allison Lassieur
The voyage of the Mayflower
Allison Lassieur
Pilgrims
Unknown
Pilgrims
Unknown
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0312262035
- Pages
- 262
- Publisher
- Thomas Dunne Books
- Published
- 2004
- Type
- Nonfiction