RB
C. C. Colee
RB
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
The Widow Maker
by C. C. Colee
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.
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About This Book
What if you escaped to a faraway land, only to face the wild seas and a pirate captain who thinks you’re his treasure? Aubrey’s adventure takes a daring turn when danger strikes on the ocean, and her courage is tested like never before. Will she find freedom or become part of a pirate’s mysterious world?
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade historical fiction novel follows Aubrey Malone, a young girl fleeing her past by sailing to Africa. Along the way, she encounters peril and piracy, becoming the sole survivor and the captive of a pirate captain. Suitable for ages 9-12, the book explores themes of adventure, courage, and early romance with mild peril.
Why we rated RB 12ME
RB is written at a Level 7 reading level across 320 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 8.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, RB works for readers up to grade 9.0.
We rate RB as 12ME ("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, physical peril — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Mild Peril.
Thematically, RB explores adventure, romance, and historical — 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 adventure, romance, historical.
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
12ME — Moderate — EmotionalReal stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.
Content Flags
Was our "Moderate" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
2/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781588513786
- Pages
- 320
- Publisher
- PublishAmerica
- Published
- June 2, 2001
- Type
- Fiction