Show jumping secret
Josephine Pullein-Thompson
Show jumping secret
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Josephine Pullein-Thompson
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.
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About This Book
Did you know there's a secret about show jumping that only a few riders ever discover? Imagine unlocking hidden tricks and facing surprising challenges in the arena—but that's only the beginning.
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fiction book follows an adventurous tale centered on show jumping. Suitable for children aged 9 to 12, it offers exciting themes around sports and perseverance without intense content. Parents can expect an engaging story with positive messages about determination and friendship.
Why we rated Show jumping secret 9LP
Show jumping secret is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 126 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Show jumping secret works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Show jumping secret as 9LP ("Light — Physical") 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, Show jumping secret explores adventure, sports, and friendship — 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.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about adventure, sports, friendship.
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.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9LP — Light — PhysicalNo conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Safe for sensitive readers.
Was our "Gentle" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
3/10A 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
- 0001643282
- Pages
- 126
- Publisher
- HarperCollins
- Published
- 1974
- Type
- Fiction