The Black Queen
Robert Holland
The Black Queen
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
Books for Boys
by Robert Holland
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 sharp roar of an engine shatters the salty breeze as a plane crashes onto the quiet beach. Sand digs into Aaron’s palms while he stares at the twisted metal, wondering who the pilot is—and why the plane fell from the sky. Secrets lurk nearby, hidden in the shadows of the old barn, waiting to be uncovered.
Quick Assessment
Set in 1948 Cape Cod, this mystery novel follows Aaron and Clay Harrison as they seek refuge from a polio epidemic and face unsettling events including a plane crash and a disturbing discovery. Suitable for teens aged 13 to 18, the story explores themes of family, courage, and uncovering hidden truths. Parents should note the presence of some suspenseful and potentially unsettling scenes.
Why we rated The Black Queen 11ME
The Black Queen is written at a Level 6 reading level across 220 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The Black Queen works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate The Black Queen as 11ME ("Moderate — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Moderate" range — moderate conflict that may involve loss, scary scenes, or interpersonal stakes. The strongest signals come from emotional weight, physical peril — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Mild Peril, Fear & Anxiety.
Thematically, The Black Queen explores family, mystery, and coming of age — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
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 family, mystery, 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
11ME — Moderate — EmotionalReal 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
4/10Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780972092210
- Pages
- 220
- Publisher
- Frost Hollow Publications
- Published
- June 30, 2003
- Type
- Fiction