The hard man of the swings
Jeanne Willis
The hard man of the swings
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Jeanne Willis
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 gentle with no concerning themes.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
This powerful, well-written novel is set in Britain just after World War Two, and although the country's mood is buoyant Mick is fighting a losing battle. No matter how hard he tries to keep his head down, there's always a bigger fist around the corner. Ignored by his mother, lusted after by his mad cousin and separated from the kid brother he adores, Mick is forced to confront his own worst enemy. Against all odds, victory is in sight... until he discovers the sickening truth about his father.
Quick Assessment
This is a Level 6 book. No notable content concerns flagged. Written for readers ages 9-12.
Why we rated The hard man of the swings Level 0
The hard man of the swings is written at a Level 6 reading level across 234 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The hard man of the swings works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate The hard man of the swings as Unrated because the content sits in the "Unrated" range — no conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the unrated intensity score.
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.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
Level 0 — UnratedThis book has not yet been rated for content intensity.
Was our "Unrated" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0571205151
- Pages
- 234
- Publisher
- Faber and Faber
- Published
- 2000
- Type
- Fiction