The Queen of Spades
Александр Сергеевич Пушкин
The Queen of Spades
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
And , The Captain's Daughter
by Александр Сергеевич Пушкин
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
Have you ever wondered what secret power a simple card could hold? In a snowy Russian city, a young man becomes obsessed with uncovering a mysterious three-card secret said to bring endless fortune. But can he unlock this secret before it's too late?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This classic tale by Aleksandr Sergeevich Pushkin, translated into English, explores themes of obsession, fate, and the social customs of 19th-century Russia. Suitable for middle-grade readers aged 9-12, it introduces young readers to classic literature with accessible language and a suspenseful plot. Parents should note the story contains moments of tension and moral complexity typical of Pushkin's work but is appropriate for this age group.
Why we rated The Queen of Spades 9LE
The Queen of Spades is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 192 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The Queen of Spades works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate The Queen of Spades as 9LE ("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 Queen of Spades explores classic literature, mystery, russian culture, and social customs — 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 classic literature, mystery, russian culture.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9LE — 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
- 0850670268
- Pages
- 192
- Publisher
- London : Folio Society
- Published
- 1970
- Type
- Fiction