Scarlet
A. C. Gaughen
Scarlet
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by A. C. Gaughen
The text is written at a 7th 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
The sharp whistle of an arrow slices through the crisp forest air, mingling with the rustle of leaves under swift feet. Amid towering oaks and dappled sunlight, a fierce girl named Scarlet steps forward, her courage blazing brighter than the noon sky. In a world where legends live and breathe, her story is just beginning—and it’s full of friendship, adventure, and daring heartbeats.
Quick Assessment
Scarlet offers a fresh and empowering retelling of the Robin Hood legend, featuring a strong female protagonist who navigates friendship and adventure in medieval England. Suitable for middle-grade readers ages 9-12, this fiction explores themes of bravery and loyalty without intense content. Parents can expect a spirited story that reimagines classic folklore with accessible language and vibrant characters.
Why we rated Scarlet 12C
Scarlet is written at a Level 7 reading level across 304 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 8.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Scarlet works for readers up to grade 9.0.
We rate Scarlet as 12C ("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, Scarlet explores friendship, adventure, historical, and fantasy world-building — 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 friendship, adventure, historical.
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
12C — 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
- 9780802734242
- Pages
- 304
- Publisher
- Bloomsbury Publishing USA
- Published
- 2013
- Type
- Fiction