Straw into Gold

Gary D. Schmidt

Cover of Straw into Gold

Straw into Gold

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Gary D. Schmidt

Reading Level 4-5 9LE Ages 9-12 Balanced Read

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

The sharp clang of hooves echoes through the misty forest as two boys race against time, their hearts pounding with hope and fear. A sweet, mysterious scent leads them to a hidden queen whose past is tangled with secrets and sorrow. What if saving lives means unlocking a story buried in shadows and gold?

Themes

Fairy talesAdventureGreedFriendship

Quick Assessment

This middle-grade fiction weaves a fairy tale-inspired adventure about two boys pursued by villains as they try to save innocent lives. Along the way, they encounter a banished queen connected to a long-lost child and face themes of greed and courage. Suitable for ages 9-12, the story offers suspense and emotional depth without graphic content.

For Parents

Content Intensity

9LE — Light — Emotional
Emotional
Light
Physical
Light
Social
Clear
Thematic
Light

Light conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.

Data confidence: standard

Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?

Reading Insights

Hook Factor

2/10

A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.

Discussion Potential

1/10

A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

Vocabulary Level
4
Emotional Weight
4
Theme Richness
4
World Scope
1
Data Confidence
7

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Details

Book Length

176 pages
ISBN
9780547237763
Pages
176
Publisher
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Published
2010
Type
Fiction

Genres

Subjects

Fairy TalesGreed