The schoolmaster
W. J. Burley
The schoolmaster
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
A Novel
by W. J. Burley
The text is written at a 4th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content has moderate intensity with some emotionally heavy themes.
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About This Book
What secrets could a quiet schoolmaster be hiding? When strange things start happening at school, everyone wonders if something mysterious is going on. Can you uncover the truth before it's too late?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade mystery novel follows a group of children uncovering secrets surrounding their schoolmaster. Suitable for ages 9-12, it features suspenseful situations and mild peril appropriate for this reading level. Parents should note the book contains some tense moments but no graphic content.
Why we rated The schoolmaster 9MP
The schoolmaster is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 160 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The schoolmaster works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate The schoolmaster as 9MP ("Moderate — Physical") because the content sits in the "Moderate" range — moderate conflict that may involve loss, scary scenes, or interpersonal stakes. The strongest signals come from physical peril, thematic difficulty — 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 schoolmaster explores mystery, thriller & suspense, friendship, 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 mystery, thriller & suspense, friendship.
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
9MP — Moderate — PhysicalReal stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.
Was our "Moderate" 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
- 0575022523
- Pages
- 160
- Publisher
- Orion
- Published
- 1977
- Type
- Fiction