The Highwayman
Alfred Noyes
The Highwayman
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Alfred Noyes
Illustrated by Charles Keeping
The text is written at a 2nd grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for younger children (ages 5–8), 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
The Highwayman is the most thrilling poem about a daring rider and a love so strong it challenges danger itself. His midnight rides and the shadows that follow him will sweep you into a world where every moment counts. This story shows why bravery and love can change everything.
Quick Assessment
This book presents Alfred Noyes’ classic poem 'The Highwayman' with dramatic illustrations that bring the haunting ballad of love and danger to life. Suitable for early readers aged 5-8, it introduces children to classic English poetry through vivid storytelling. Parents should note the themes of love and peril are presented in a poetic and age-appropriate manner.
Why we rated The Highwayman 7LE
The Highwayman is written at a Level 2 reading level across 32 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 3.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The Highwayman works for readers up to grade 4.0.
We rate The Highwayman as 7LE ("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 Highwayman explores classics, poetry, literary criticism, adventure, and romance — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 5-8 range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about classics, poetry, literary criticism.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
7LE — Light — EmotionalLight 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
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
The Lady of Shalott (Visions in Poetry)
Alfred Lord Tennyson
The Lady of Shalott (Visions in Poetry)
Alfred Lord Tennyson
The legend of the phantom highwayman
Tom McCaughren
The legend of the phantom highwayman
Tom McCaughren
Paul Revere's Ride
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
Paul Revere's Ride
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
The Knight's Tale
Geoffrey Chaucer
The Knight's Tale
Geoffrey Chaucer
Midnight Rider
Joan Hiatt Harlow
Midnight Rider
Joan Hiatt Harlow
Robin Hood
Evelyn Charles Vivian
Robin Hood
Evelyn Charles Vivian
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780192721334
- Pages
- 32
- Publisher
- Oxford University Press, USA
- Published
- June 25, 1987
- Type
- Fiction