The giant rat of Sumatra

Sid Fleischman

Cover of The giant rat of Sumatra

The giant rat of Sumatra

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

or Pirates Galore

by Sid Fleischman

Reading Level 4-5 Mild (Lvl 2) Ages 9-12 Balanced Read

The text is written at a 4th 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 spray of the ocean stings your face as the Giant Rat of Sumatra creaks ominously in the harbor. Its crooked-toothed rat figurehead seems almost alive, daring anyone to come close. Twelve-year-old Shipwreck thought he was finally headed home, but the thrilling danger of pirates has only just begun.

Quick Assessment

Set against the backdrop of 19th-century California and the Mexican-American War, this middle-grade historical fiction follows a twelve-year-old cabin boy caught up in pirate adventures and danger. Appropriate for ages 9-12, the story includes themes of adventure, history, and personal courage, with mild peril typical of pirate tales but no graphic content.

For Parents

Content Intensity

Level 2 — Mild
Gentle Mild Moderate Intense Very Intense

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

4/10

Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

Vocabulary Level
4
Emotional Weight
4
Theme Richness
7
World Scope
10
Data Confidence
7

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Details

Book Length

194 pages
ISBN
9780060742409
Pages
194
Publisher
Harper Collins
Published
2005
Type
Fiction

Genres

Subjects

PiratesMexican War, 1846-1848San Diego19th CenturyCalifornia1846-1850Pirates in FictionPiratasHistoriaFicción JuvenilGuerra Mexicana, 1846-1848California in FictionMexican War, 1846-1848 in FictionHistoricalUnited StatesMexican War1846-1848PartiesCabin Boys

Places

CaliforniaSan Diego (Calif.)San Diego (California)