Stormtide.
Bill Knox
Stormtide.
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Bill Knox
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 mild with minimal sensitive material.
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About This Book
Here's a secret: Webb Carrick is chasing sharks in the wild, stormy waters of the Hebrides. But when he stumbles into a fierce battle between daring shark hunters and angry fishermen, things get way more dangerous—and that's only the beginning.
Quick Assessment
Stormtide follows Webb Carrick, a member of the Scottish Fisheries Protection Service, as he navigates a gripping adventure involving shark hunting and local conflicts in the Hebrides. Suitable for middle-grade readers, the story balances action with themes of community and environmental protection. Parents should note the story includes mild peril and tension but remains appropriate for ages 9-12.
Why we rated Stormtide. 9LP
Stormtide. is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 157 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Stormtide. works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Stormtide. as 9LP ("Light — Physical") because the content sits in the "Mild" range — mild conflict — the kind a child encounters in normal play and sibling life. Across our four dimensions (emotional, physical, social, thematic) the book reads as evenly mild; no single dimension stands out as a concern.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the mild intensity score.
Thematically, Stormtide. explores adventure, science & nature, friendship, and family — 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, science & nature, friendship.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9LP — Light — PhysicalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
2/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0385085397
- Pages
- 157
- Publisher
- Published for the Crime Club by Doubleday
- Published
- 1973
- Type
- Fiction