The silver penny
Randall Wright
The silver penny
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Randall Wright
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
The sharp clang of a silver penny echoes in the quiet farmhouse, stirring secrets long buried. Jacob ’Deb’ Corey lies restless, his broken leg itching for adventure while a mysterious red-haired boy watches from the shadows. In the stillness of the old farm, magic and fate twine together in ways no one could have imagined.
Quick Assessment
Set in the mid-1800s, this historical fiction follows eleven-year-old Jacob Corey, who, while recovering from a broken leg on his family farm, encounters a mysterious boy and a rare silver coin that seem connected to his destiny. The story explores themes of family, supernatural elements, and personal growth, appropriate for readers aged 9 to 12. Parents should note that the book includes depictions of an accident and mild supernatural themes.
Why we rated The silver penny 9LE
The silver penny is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 197 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The silver penny works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate The silver penny 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 silver penny explores family, supernatural, 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.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about family, supernatural, adventure.
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
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780805073911
- Pages
- 197
- Publisher
- Macmillan
- Published
- 2005
- Type
- Fiction