Reviewed by HootRated editorial · Last updated
The Blue Sword
Robin McKinley
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. Its HootRating code, LE, means mild content, mostly emotional.
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About This Book
The sharp clang of swords rings through the dry, dusty air as Harry Crewe feels the weight of the legendary Blue Sword in her hands. The scent of wild grasses and ancient magic surrounds her as she steps into a world where bravery and destiny collide. Can she become the hero no one expected, or will the secrets of the Hillfolk change everything?
Quick Assessment
The Blue Sword follows Harry Crewe, an orphan girl who transforms from outsider to warrior in a richly imagined fantasy world. Suitable for readers ages 9-12, this middle-grade novel explores themes of identity, courage, and belonging with a strong female protagonist and a vivid magical setting. Parents should note the story includes fantasy battles and some peril but remains appropriate for its age group.
Why we rated The Blue Sword LE (Mild)
The Blue Sword is written at a Level 7 reading level across 320 pages. Reading-wise, most kids in grade 8 and up can manage The Blue Sword on their own; younger readers can enjoy it with a parent or teacher reading along.
We rate The Blue Sword as LE (Mild, mostly 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, The Blue Sword explores fantasy world-building, adventure, coming of age, and family — 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.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about fantasy world-building, adventure, coming of age.
- ✓ Readers (and parents) who care about award-recognized writing — The Blue Sword carries an award.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers looking for something heavier — this is a gentle, low-stakes story by design.
For Parents
Content Intensity
LE · Mild · EmotionalReading the HootRating code: the first letter is the content intensity (C = Gentle · L = Mild · M = Moderate · I = Intense · V = Very Intense); the second, when there is one, is the kind of content that drives it (E = Emotional · P = Physical · S = Social · T = Thematic). Reading level and age range are rated separately. How we rate
Light conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Discussion Potential
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780441012008
- Pages
- 320
- Publisher
- National Geographic Books
- Published
- December 4, 2007
- Type
- Fiction