The Lothian run
Mollie Hunter
The Lothian run
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Mollie Hunter
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
This isn’t just any smuggling story—it's a daring adventure set in 1736 Edinburgh where a clever lawyer’s clerk uncovers secrets that could change everything. What starts as a simple job quickly turns into a thrilling run against time and danger, proving that even the most unlikely heroes can make a mighty difference.
Quick Assessment
Set in 18th century Edinburgh, this middle-grade historical fiction follows a young lawyer’s clerk who becomes entangled in a smuggling operation that is far from ordinary. The story offers an engaging glimpse into historical life while exploring themes of courage and justice, suitable for readers aged 9-12. There is mild peril involved but nothing overly intense for this age group.
Why we rated The Lothian run 11LE
The Lothian run is written at a Level 6 reading level across 224 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The Lothian run works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate The Lothian run 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 Lothian run explores adventure, historical, coming of age, and friendship — 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, historical, coming of age.
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
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0140306404
- Pages
- 224
- Publisher
- Puffin
- Published
- 1974
- Type
- Fiction