The pledge of three
Greg Andrew Smith
The pledge of three
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Greg Andrew Smith
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
The crisp rustle of an old paper breaks the silence, carrying secrets of a mysterious pledge. Zack's fingers tremble as he reads words that promise to change everything for him and his friends. But will their bond survive the fate that awaits them?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fiction explores themes of friendship and family through the story of Zack Owens, who discovers a mysterious pledge that impacts him and his two best friends. Suitable for ages 9-12, the book offers an engaging narrative with moderate emotional depth and no intense content, making it appropriate for young readers interested in thoughtful stories about bonds and choices.
Why we rated The pledge of three 11LE
The pledge of three is written at a Level 6 reading level across 229 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The pledge of three works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate The pledge of three 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 pledge of three weaves together friendship and family.
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 friendship, family.
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
1/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0976057654
- Pages
- 229
- Publisher
- Lucky Press
- Published
- 2005
- Type
- Fiction