Over Sea, Under Stone
Susan Cooper
Over Sea, Under Stone
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
The Dark Is Rising #1
by Susan Cooper
The text is written at a 6th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for teens (ages 13+), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.
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About This Book
What if a simple holiday turned into the adventure of a lifetime? Imagine finding a mysterious ancient manuscript that leads you and your siblings on a daring quest across Cornwall. But the closer you get to the legendary grail, the more danger lurks in the shadows—can you uncover the truth before it's too late?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This classic fantasy adventure follows three siblings who discover an ancient manuscript during their holiday in Cornwall, propelling them into a quest to find the legendary grail tied to King Arthur. Suitable for ages 13-18, the story blends elements of mythology, suspense, and family dynamics, with some mild peril and fantasy violence. Parents should note the story's adventurous tone and occasional tense moments but can expect an engaging and age-appropriate narrative.
Why we rated Over Sea, Under Stone 11LE
Over Sea, Under Stone is written at a Level 6 reading level across 224 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Over Sea, Under Stone works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Over Sea, Under Stone as 11LE ("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, Over Sea, Under Stone explores adventure, fantasy world-building, friendship, family, and mythology — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 13+ range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about adventure, fantasy world-building, friendship.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11LE — Light — EmotionalLight 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
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781416949640
- Pages
- 224
- Publisher
- Simon and Schuster
- Published
- May 8, 2007
- Type
- Fiction