The Long Patrol
Brian Jacques
The Long Patrol
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
a Tale of Redwall
by Brian Jacques
Illustrated by Allan Curless
The text is written at a 7th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content has moderate intensity with some emotionally heavy themes.
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About This Book
The clash of steel and the thunder of paws fill the air as armies of fierce creatures storm the shores. The scent of salt and smoke mingles with the roar of battle, where heroes must rise against a ruthless conqueror. Can young Tammo and the legendary Long Patrol stand strong when the fate of their world hangs in the balance?
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fantasy adventure follows Tammo as he joins the Long Patrol, a group of brave hares defending their home from a brutal invader and his savage army. With rich animal characters and exciting battle scenes, the story explores themes of courage and loyalty suitable for ages 9-12. Parents should note the presence of fantasy violence and intense action sequences typical of heroic quests.
Why we rated The Long Patrol 12MP
The Long Patrol is written at a Level 7 reading level across 368 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 8.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The Long Patrol works for readers up to grade 9.0.
We rate The Long Patrol as 12MP ("Moderate — Physical") because the content sits in the "Moderate" range — moderate conflict that may involve loss, scary scenes, or interpersonal stakes. The strongest signals come from physical peril — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the moderate intensity score.
Thematically, The Long Patrol explores adventure, fantasy world-building, animals, friendship, and coming of age — 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 adventure, fantasy world-building, animals.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers who get easily upset by emotional or moderately dark scenes — the conflict here is real, not just background flavor.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
12MP — Moderate — PhysicalReal stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.
Was our "Moderate" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
2/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780099638810
- Pages
- 368
- Publisher
- Red Fox
- Published
- 1998
- Type
- Fiction