Oxford Book of Story Poems
Michael Harrison, Christopher Stuart-Clark
Oxford Book of Story Poems
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Michael Harrison, Christopher Stuart-Clark
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 gentle with no concerning themes.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
This is the one poetry book that brings dragons and witches to life with every word! From magical knights to daring sailors, these poems take you on adventures you won’t forget. And it’s not just old favorites—modern poets make the magic sparkle even more.
Themes
Quick Assessment
The Oxford Book of Story Poems offers a rich collection of narrative poems that blend fantasy and adventure, suitable for children aged 9 to 12. Featuring classics alongside contemporary poets, it encourages an appreciation for poetry while sparking imagination. The content is appropriate for middle-grade readers, with themes of fantasy and storytelling presented in an engaging and accessible manner.
Why we rated Oxford Book of Story Poems 9C
Oxford Book of Story Poems is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 175 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Oxford Book of Story Poems works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Oxford Book of Story Poems as 9C ("Clear") because the content sits in the "Gentle" range — no conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Across our four dimensions (emotional, physical, social, thematic) the book reads as evenly gentle; no single dimension stands out as a concern.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the gentle intensity score.
Thematically, Oxford Book of Story Poems explores poetry, fantasy, adventure, narrative verse, and children's literature — 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.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about poetry, fantasy, adventure.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers whose emotional readiness lags behind their decoding skills — this book's intensity outruns its reading level, a classic "gifted kid" mismatch.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9C — ClearNo conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Safe for sensitive readers.
Was our "Gentle" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
2/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
The new dragon book of verse
Michael Harrison, Christopher Stuart-Clark
The new dragon book of verse
Michael Harrison, Christopher Stuart-Clark
Oxford Treasury of Classic Poems
Michael Harrison, Christopher Stuart-Clark
Oxford Treasury of Classic Poems
Michael Harrison, Christopher Stuart-Clark
Oxford Treasury of Classic Poems
Michael Harrison
Oxford Treasury of Classic Poems
Michael Harrison
Dragons, Dinosaurs, Monster Poems
John Foster
Dragons, Dinosaurs, Monster Poems
John Foster
Favorite Medieval Tales
Mary Pope Osborne
Favorite Medieval Tales
Mary Pope Osborne
Book of Dragons
O. Muiriel Fuller
Book of Dragons
O. Muiriel Fuller
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780613959629
- Pages
- 175
- Publisher
- Turtleback Books
- Published
- January 2000
- Type
- Fiction