Reviewed by HootRated editorial · Last updated
The Rogues (Stuart Quartet)
Jane Yolen
The text is written at a 6th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for older middle graders (ages 11+), and the content has moderate intensity with some emotionally heavy themes. Its HootRating code, ME, means moderate content, mostly emotional.
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About This Book
Roddy races through the rugged Scottish hills, heart pounding as the tyrant landlord’s men close in behind him. Suddenly, a shadowy figure steps from the mist—a notorious rogue with a daring plan that could change everything. But can Roddy trust him before it’s too late?
Quick Assessment
This historical fiction novel follows fifteen-year-old Roddy, who, after his family is evicted from their farm in Scotland, teams up with a clever rogue to outsmart a harsh landlord and search for a hidden family treasure. Suitable for teens aged 13-18, the story contains themes of friendship, adventure, and resilience set against a rich historical backdrop. Parents should note moderate tension related to eviction and conflict but no graphic content.
Why we rated The Rogues (Stuart Quartet) ME (Moderate)
The Rogues (Stuart Quartet) is written at a Level 6 reading level across 288 pages. Reading-wise, most kids in grade 7 and up can manage The Rogues (Stuart Quartet) on their own; younger readers can enjoy it with a parent or teacher reading along.
We rate The Rogues (Stuart Quartet) as ME (Moderate, mostly emotional) because the content sits in the "Moderate" range — moderate conflict that may involve loss, scary scenes, or interpersonal stakes. The strongest signals come from emotional weight — 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 Rogues (Stuart Quartet) explores historical, adventure, friendship, coming of age, and family — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers. Each of these themes is concrete enough to seed a real conversation, not just a moral lesson.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 11+ range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Readers ready to talk through themes after they finish — there's enough substance for a meaningful conversation.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about historical, adventure, friendship.
- ✓ Readers (and parents) who care about award-recognized writing — The Rogues (Stuart Quartet) carries an award.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers who get easily upset by emotional or moderately dark scenes — the conflict here is real, not just background flavor.
For Parents
Content Intensity
ME · Moderate · EmotionalReading the HootRating code: the first letter is the content intensity (C = Gentle · L = Mild · M = Moderate · I = Intense · V = Very Intense); the second, when there is one, is the kind of content that drives it (E = Emotional · P = Physical · S = Social · T = Thematic). Reading level and age range are rated separately. How we rate
Real stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.
Was our "Moderate" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Discussion Potential
5/10Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780399238987
- Pages
- 288
- Publisher
- Philomel
- Published
- September 20, 2007
- Type
- Fiction