The honourable schoolboy

John le Carré

Cover of The honourable schoolboy

The honourable schoolboy

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by John le Carré

Reading Level 8 Mild (Lvl 2) Ages 9-12 Balanced Read

The text is written at a 8th 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

George Smiley waits in a dimly lit room, the weight of betrayal heavy on his shoulders. Suddenly, orders crackle through the radio: Jerry Westerby must leave at once for the Far East, a place tangled with secrets and danger. What mission will Jerry face in this shadowy world of spies?

Quick Assessment

This espionage novel follows British Secret Service agent George Smiley as he rebuilds his team after a damaging Soviet infiltration. Suitable for middle-grade readers, the story explores themes of loyalty and intelligence work, set against a complex geopolitical backdrop. While the book involves spy intrigue and some tension, it is appropriate for ages 9-12 with a reading level around grade 8.

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

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
7
Emotional Weight
4
Theme Richness
6
World Scope
3
Data Confidence
7

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Details

Book Length

1,155 pages
ISBN
0816165394
Pages
1,155
Publisher
G. K. Hall
Published
1977
Type
Fiction

Genres

Fiction in English

Subjects

Smiley, GeorgeIntelligence ServiceGreat BritainLarge Type BooksIntelligence Service in FictionFiction in EnglishAmerican Spy StoriesGeorge SmileyEnglish Spy StoriesGreat Britain. MI6Secret ServiceSmileyGeorge

Places

Great Britain