Silver on the Tree (The Dark Is Rising Sequence)
Susan Cooper
Silver on the Tree (The Dark Is Rising Sequence)
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Susan Cooper
The text is written at a 6th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for teens (ages 13+), and the content has moderate intensity with some emotionally heavy themes.
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About This Book
The sharp clang of a sword echoes through ancient Welsh hills, mingling with the scent of moss and wildflowers. A magical crystal sword lies hidden, shimmering with power that could stop the Dark forever. As the battle between Light and Dark draws near, friendship and courage will be tested like never before.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This young adult fantasy novel follows six brave individuals as they unite to battle an ancient, rising darkness threatening the world. Rich in Arthurian legend and magical adventure, it explores themes of friendship, courage, and destiny. Suitable for teens aged 13 and up, the story contains fantasy violence and complex themes typical of classic fantasy literature.
Why we rated Silver on the Tree (The Dark Is Rising Sequence) 11ME
Silver on the Tree (The Dark Is Rising Sequence) is written at a Level 6 reading level across 288 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Silver on the Tree (The Dark Is Rising Sequence) works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Silver on the Tree (The Dark Is Rising Sequence) as 11ME ("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, thematic difficulty — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the moderate intensity score.
Thematically, Silver on the Tree (The Dark Is Rising Sequence) explores adventure, fantasy world-building, friendship, coming of age, and legends, myths, & fables — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 13+ 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, fantasy world-building, friendship.
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
11ME — Moderate — EmotionalReal stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.
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
- 9781416949688
- Pages
- 288
- Publisher
- Margaret K. McElderry Books
- Published
- May 8, 2007
- Type
- Fiction