The adventures of John Blake
Philip Pullman
The adventures of John Blake
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
Mystery of the Ghost Ship
by Philip Pullman
The text is written at a 4th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content has moderate intensity with some emotionally heavy themes.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
John Blake clutches the helm as the ship groans, tearing through time itself. Suddenly, a figure emerges from the mist—a girl stranded far from her own century. But before he can help her, a dark shadow looms: the Dahlberg Corporation is closing in fast.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade graphic novel follows John Blake, a time-traveling adventurer who encounters a stranded girl named Serena. Together, they face the menacing Dahlberg Corporation in a high-stakes quest across different centuries. Suitable for ages 9-12, the story involves fantasy peril and themes of friendship and courage.
Why we rated The adventures of John Blake 9MP
The adventures of John Blake is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 159 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The adventures of John Blake works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate The adventures of John Blake as 9MP ("Moderate — Physical") because the content sits in the "Moderate" range — moderate conflict that may involve loss, scary scenes, or interpersonal stakes. The strongest signals come from physical peril — 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, The adventures of John Blake explores adventure, time travel, graphic novels, 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 adventure, time travel, graphic novels.
- ✓ Curious kids who prefer real-world topics over made-up stories.
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
9MP — Moderate — PhysicalReal 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
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Legend
John Brindley
Legend
John Brindley
His dark materials
Philip Pullman
His dark materials
Philip Pullman
His Dark Materials Bind-Up
Philip Pullman
His Dark Materials Bind-Up
Philip Pullman
The Blakeley ghost
Valerie Weldrick
The Blakeley ghost
Valerie Weldrick
Majesty Blake
Rick Lawler
Majesty Blake
Rick Lawler
Book of Dust
Philip Pullman
Book of Dust
Philip Pullman
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781338149128
- Pages
- 159
- Publisher
- Scholastic, Incorporated
- Published
- 2014
- Type
- Nonfiction