Robin Hood
Jeffrey L. Forgeng
Robin Hood
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
The Shaping of the Legend
by Jeffrey L. Forgeng
The text is written at a 6th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is gentle with no concerning themes.
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About This Book
Robin Hood isn't just a hero—he's the only English legend that became a worldwide myth during the Middle Ages! From daring ballads to thrilling plays, his story has shaped stories and adventures for centuries, showing why heroes matter to every generation.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This book explores the origins and evolution of the Robin Hood legend from the Middle Ages through the 17th century, blending historical context with literary analysis. It is suitable for middle-grade readers interested in history and storytelling, providing insight into how myths reflect and shape society. Parents should note the book offers a scholarly yet accessible approach without graphic content.
Why we rated Robin Hood 11C
Robin Hood is written at a Level 6 reading level across 232 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Robin Hood works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Robin Hood as 11C ("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, Robin Hood explores historical, adventure, folklore, mythology, and literary analysis — 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 historical, adventure, folklore.
- ✓ Curious kids who prefer real-world topics over made-up stories.
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
11C — 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
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781564210029
- Pages
- 232
- Publisher
- Praeger
- Published
- January 1994
- Type
- Nonfiction