The dark frigate

Charles Boardman Hawes

Cover of The dark frigate

The dark frigate

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

wherein is told the story of Philip Marsham who lived in the time of King Charles and was bred a sailor but came home to England...

by Charles Boardman Hawes

Reading Level 6 11LP Ages 9-12 Balanced Read

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

The ship creaks under the moonlight as the pirates shout orders, and suddenly, the young man is dragged into the chaos. He didn’t expect to become one of them, but now there’s no turning back. What will happen when the hunt for treasure turns deadly?

Quick Assessment

This historical adventure follows a young man who, after his ship is captured by pirates, must navigate life as part of their crew while facing danger and tough choices. Suitable for readers aged 9-12, the book contains themes of bravery, loyalty, and survival with some scenes of peril but no graphic content. It’s a gripping tale for middle-grade readers who enjoy action and historical settings.

For Parents

Content Intensity

11LP — Light — Physical
Emotional
Clear
Physical
Light
Social
Clear
Thematic
Clear

Light conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.

Content Flags

Mild Peril
Data confidence: standard

Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?

Reading Insights

Hook Factor

2/10

A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.

Discussion Potential

3/10

A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

Vocabulary Level
5
Emotional Weight
4
Theme Richness
4
World Scope
1
Data Confidence
7

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Details

Book Length

246 pages
ISBN
9780316350969
Pages
246
Publisher
Joy Street Books
Published
1996
Type
Fiction

Genres

Subjects

Action & AdventureHistoricalOrphansPiratesSea StoriesNewbery MedalHorror StoriesAccelerated ReaderShipsAward:Newbery_awardLexile:1160Lexile_range:1101-1200