The Revenge of Samuel Stokes
Penelope Lively
The Revenge of Samuel Stokes
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Penelope Lively
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
Tim races through the new housing development as strange shadows flicker in every corner. His grandfather's voice cuts through the eerie silence: something uncanny is stirring, and it's up to them to stop it. But just as they prepare to act, a chilling secret is revealed—what if they're too late?
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fiction follows Tim and his grandfather as they confront mysterious and unsettling occurrences in their new neighborhood. Suitable for ages 9-12, the story combines elements of suspense and family bonds without intense violence or mature themes. It encourages problem-solving and courage in the face of the unknown.
Why we rated The Revenge of Samuel Stokes 11LP
The Revenge of Samuel Stokes is written at a Level 6 reading level across 216 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The Revenge of Samuel Stokes works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate The Revenge of Samuel Stokes as 11LP ("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.
Thematically, The Revenge of Samuel Stokes explores family, mystery, and adventure — 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 family, mystery, adventure.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers looking for something heavier — this is a gentle, low-stakes story by design.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11LP — 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
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780745114064
- Pages
- 216
- Publisher
- Galaxy Children's Large Print
- Published
- December 1991
- Type
- Fiction