The keeper and the Alabaster chalice
Paige W. Pendleton
The keeper and the Alabaster chalice
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
Book II of the Black Ledge Series
by Paige W. Pendleton
Illustrated by Block, Thomas , illustrator
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 mild with minimal sensitive material.
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About This Book
What if a magical chalice lost beneath the waves could change everything? Imagine discovering hidden secrets and meeting mystical creatures in a land where elves guard ancient powers. But when the chalice falls into the wrong hands, can Eleanor and her friends stop the darkness before it’s too late?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fantasy follows the Driscoll family as they encounter magical beings and ancient secrets in the realm of Black Ledge. Suitable for ages 9-12, the story involves themes of friendship, adventure, and the battle between good and evil, with mild peril and fantasy violence. Parents should note the story contains magical elements and some suspenseful moments but is generally appropriate for this age group.
Why we rated The keeper and the Alabaster chalice 11LE
The keeper and the Alabaster chalice is written at a Level 6 reading level across 200 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The keeper and the Alabaster chalice works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate The keeper and the Alabaster chalice as 11LE ("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 keeper and the Alabaster chalice explores fantasy world-building, adventure, friendship, and magic — 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.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about fantasy world-building, adventure, friendship.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11LE — 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
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780615828480
- Pages
- 200
- Publisher
- Pig Wing Press
- Published
- 2013
- Type
- Fiction