HootRated mascot HootRated

Reviewed by HootRated editorial · Last updated

The hidden treasure of Glaston

Eleanore Myers Jewett

Cover of The hidden treasure of Glaston

The hidden treasure of Glaston

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Eleanore Myers Jewett

Reading Level 7 12LE Ages 9-12 Balanced Read
Newbery Medal

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.

We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.

About This Book

Hugh stumbles through the ancient halls of Glastonbury Abbey, his heart pounding as shadows flicker on the stone walls. Suddenly, he and his friends uncover a hidden treasure—yet strange secrets begin to whisper in the quiet. What will they discover next in the dark corners of the abbey?

Quick Assessment

Set in 1171 England, this historical adventure follows Hugh, a boy with a physical disability left at Glastonbury Abbey by his father. The story explores themes of friendship, courage, and mystery as Hugh and his companions uncover a hidden treasure linked to legendary tales. Suitable for ages 9-12, the book handles physical disability and historical context with sensitivity and offers an engaging narrative without graphic content.

Why we rated The hidden treasure of Glaston 12LE

The hidden treasure of Glaston is written at a Level 7 reading level across 340 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 8.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The hidden treasure of Glaston works for readers up to grade 9.0.

We rate The hidden treasure of Glaston as 12LE ("Light — Emotional") 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 hidden treasure of Glaston explores friendship, adventure, historical, disability representation, and mystery — 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 friendship, adventure, historical.
  • Readers (and parents) who care about award-recognized writing — The hidden treasure of Glaston carries an award.

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.

For Parents

Content Intensity

12LE — Light — Emotional
Emotional
Light
Physical
Clear
Social
Clear
Thematic
Light

Light conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.

Data confidence: standard

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

Reading Insights

Hook Factor

3/10

A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.

Discussion Potential

2/10

A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

Vocabulary Level
6
Emotional Weight
4
Theme Richness
5
World Scope
9
Data Confidence
7

Similar Books

Based on content and theme analysis

See all books like this →

Details

Book Length

340 pages
ISBN
1883937485
Pages
340
Publisher
Bethlehem Books
Published
2000
Type
Fiction

Subjects

Glastonbury AbbeyFriendshipAdventure and AdventurersPeople With DisabilitiesMonasteriesMiddle AgesGreat BritainHenry II, 1154-1189The Holy GrailAvalonNewbery HonorBuried Treasure

People

King Henry IIKing ArthurJoseph of ArimitheaArchbishop Thomas Becket

Places

Great BritainAvalon