Outlaw of Sherwood Forest
John Seven
Outlaw of Sherwood Forest
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by John Seven
The text is written at a 4th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
The crisp scent of pine fills the air as Dawk and Hype step into the shadowy Sherwood Forest, where every rustle could be a secret. Suddenly, a mysterious figure claiming to be Friar Tuck appears, and the forest feels alive with whispers of danger and adventure. Can they trust what they see, or is this just the start of a thrilling mystery?
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade adventure follows siblings Dawk and Hype as they travel back to 13th-century Nottingham and Sherwood Forest, encountering historical figures and family conflicts. The story blends time travel with themes of loyalty and trust, suitable for ages 9 to 12. Parents should note the presence of mild peril and complex family dynamics within a historical fantasy context.
Why we rated Outlaw of Sherwood Forest 9LE
Outlaw of Sherwood Forest is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 192 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Outlaw of Sherwood Forest works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Outlaw of Sherwood Forest as 9LE ("Light — Emotional") 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, Outlaw of Sherwood Forest explores adventure, time travel, family, and mystery — 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.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about adventure, time travel, family.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers looking for something heavier — this is a gentle, low-stakes story by design.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9LE — Light — EmotionalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
3/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
The Outlaws of Sherwood
Robin McKinley
The Outlaws of Sherwood
Robin McKinley
The outlaws of Sherwood Street
Peter Abrahams
The outlaws of Sherwood Street
Peter Abrahams
Outlaw
Tony Lee
Outlaw
Tony Lee
Sherwood
Jane Yolen
Sherwood
Jane Yolen
Forbidden forest
Michael Cadnum
Forbidden forest
Michael Cadnum
The outlaws of Sherwood Street
Peter Abrahams
The outlaws of Sherwood Street
Peter Abrahams
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781434291745
- Pages
- 192
- Publisher
- Capstone
- Published
- 2014
- Type
- Fiction