The legend of the phantom highwayman
Tom McCaughren
The legend of the phantom highwayman
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Tom McCaughren
The text is written at a 4th 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 ghostly rider appeared under the moonlight, racing through the countryside? Tasper visits his cousin and finds himself tangled in the mystery of the phantom highwayman, Hugh Rua. Could this spooky spirit be linked to secret smuggling in the mountains—and what danger awaits if the truth is uncovered?
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fiction novel follows Tasper as he explores the Irish countryside and encounters the legend of the phantom highwayman, Hugh Rua. The story combines adventure and mystery with gentle suspense appropriate for ages 9 to 12. Parents should note the presence of mild peril and supernatural elements but no graphic content.
Why we rated The legend of the phantom highwayman 9LP
The legend of the phantom highwayman is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 112 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The legend of the phantom highwayman works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate The legend of the phantom highwayman as 9LP ("Light — Physical") 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.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Mild Peril, Fantasy Violence.
Thematically, The legend of the phantom highwayman explores adventure, mystery, friendship, and fantasy world-building — 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 adventure, mystery, friendship.
Maybe not for
- ! Children who are sensitive to violence, even when handled at age-appropriate levels.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9LP — Light — PhysicalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Content Flags
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
3/10A 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
- 9780947962586
- Pages
- 112
- Publisher
- Childrens Press
- Published
- 1983
- Type
- Fiction