The cry of the Halidon
Robert Ludlum
The cry of the Halidon
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Robert Ludlum
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.
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About This Book
The salty breeze carries whispers of the island's secrets as the waves crash against jagged cliffs. Beneath the sun-soaked skies of Jamaica, an American geologist feels the ground tremble—not just with the earth's power, but with danger lurking in every shadow. What will happen when four powerful groups fight for control of this beautiful island?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fiction follows an American geologist conducting a survey in Jamaica who becomes entangled in complex political struggles involving multiple factions. Suitable for ages 9-12, it offers an exciting glimpse into geography and island life, with light themes of political intrigue that are appropriate for the target audience. Parents should note the story includes mild peril related to the conflict but no graphic content.
Why we rated The cry of the Halidon 12LS
The cry of the Halidon is written at a Level 7 reading level across 376 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 8.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The cry of the Halidon works for readers up to grade 9.0.
We rate The cry of the Halidon as 12LS ("Light — Social") 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 cry of the Halidon explores geological surveys, adventure, political intrigue, jamaica, and nature — 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 geological surveys, adventure, political intrigue.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers whose emotional readiness lags behind their decoding skills — this book's intensity outruns its reading level, a classic "gifted kid" mismatch.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
12LS — Light — SocialLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
2/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0440021200
- Pages
- 376
- Publisher
- Delacorte Press
- Published
- 1974
- Type
- Fiction