Swift
R. J. Anderson
Swift
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by R. J. Anderson
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 mild with minimal sensitive material.
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About This Book
The sharp crack of stone slicing through the air makes Ivy’s heart race as she feels searing heat across her back. The world tilts and blurs, the ground rushing up to meet her, and in that moment, her deepest wish—to fly—feels farther away than ever. But when a mysterious stranger appears, Ivy senses that her story is just beginning.
Quick Assessment
Swift follows Ivy, a young faery born without wings, who struggles with her identity and dreams of flying like her clan. Set in a magical world within an abandoned tin mine, the story explores themes of self-discovery, courage, and hidden secrets. Suitable for middle-grade readers aged 9-12, the book contains mild peril and fantasy violence but handles emotional challenges with sensitivity.
Why we rated Swift 12LE
Swift is written at a Level 7 reading level across 342 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 8.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Swift works for readers up to grade 9.0.
We rate Swift as 12LE ("Light — Emotional") 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, Swift explores fantasy world-building, coming of age, magic, 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.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about fantasy world-building, coming of age, magic.
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
12LE — Light — EmotionalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A 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
- 9781408312636
- Pages
- 342
- Publisher
- Orchard Books
- Published
- 2012
- Type
- Fiction