The cargo of the Madalena
Cynthia Harnett
The cargo of the Madalena
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Cynthia Harnett
The text is written at a 6th 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
Here’s a secret: a precious shipment meant for the famous William Caxton has vanished without a trace in fifteenth-century London. Bendy, whose family runs a scrivener’s shop, is the only one who can unravel the mystery behind the missing cargo—but that’s only the beginning.
Quick Assessment
Set in fifteenth-century London, this middle-grade historical mystery follows Bendy, a young scrivener’s family member, as he investigates the disappearance of a vital shipment for William Caxton, the master printer. The story weaves historical details about early printing with a suspenseful plot suitable for ages 9-12, offering educational insights along with engaging mystery. There is no notable content concern, making it appropriate for this age group.
Why we rated The cargo of the Madalena 11LT
The cargo of the Madalena is written at a Level 6 reading level across 235 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The cargo of the Madalena works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate The cargo of the Madalena as 11LT ("Light — Thematic") 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 cargo of the Madalena explores mystery, historical, adventure, science & nature, 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.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about mystery, historical, adventure.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers looking for something heavier — this is a gentle, low-stakes story by design.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11LT — Light — ThematicLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
3/10A 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
- 0822508907
- Pages
- 235
- Publisher
- Lerner
- Published
- 1984
- Type
- Fiction