The Black Arrow (Tor Classics)
Robert Louis Stevenson
The Black Arrow (Tor Classics)
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Robert Louis Stevenson
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 clang of swords echoes through the misty forest, the sharp scent of damp earth filling the air. Amidst the shadows, a young man grips his bow, heart pounding with the weight of a family secret and a fierce desire for justice. Every step draws him deeper into a dangerous world where loyalty and courage will be tested.
Themes
Quick Assessment
Set during the War of the Roses, this classic novel follows a young Englishman on a quest to avenge his father's death. Suitable for teens, it explores themes of loyalty, justice, and courage within a historical context. The story contains mild peril and conflict appropriate for readers aged 13 and up.
Why we rated The Black Arrow (Tor Classics) 11MP
The Black Arrow (Tor Classics) 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, The Black Arrow (Tor Classics) works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate The Black Arrow (Tor Classics) as 11MP ("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.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Mild Peril, Historical Conflict.
Thematically, The Black Arrow (Tor Classics) explores history, adventure, coming of age, family, and loyalty — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers. Each of these themes is concrete enough to seed a real conversation, not just a moral lesson.
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.
- ✓ Readers ready to talk through themes after they finish — there's enough substance for a meaningful conversation.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about history, adventure, coming of age.
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
11MP — Moderate — PhysicalReal stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.
Content Flags
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
5/10Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780812565621
- Pages
- 288
- Publisher
- Macmillan
- Published
- July 15, 1998
- Type
- Fiction