The young Carthaginian
G. A. Henty
The young Carthaginian
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
A Story of the Times of Hannibal
by G. A. Henty
The text is written at a 8th 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 would you do if you were a young soldier marching alongside one of history’s greatest generals? Imagine the roar of battle drums and the thrill of crossing snowy mountains with Hannibal’s army. Can Malchus survive the dangers of war and prove his courage?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This historical fiction novel follows Malchus, a young officer in Hannibal's army during the Second Punic War. Suitable for middle-grade readers, it offers a vivid portrayal of ancient military campaigns and Carthaginian culture. Parents should note the presence of war scenes and historical battles that may prompt discussions about courage and conflict.
Why we rated The young Carthaginian 12MP
The young Carthaginian is written at a Level 8 reading level across 430 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 9.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The young Carthaginian works for readers up to grade 10.0.
We rate The young Carthaginian as 12MP ("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 — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Mild Peril, Fantasy Violence.
Thematically, The young Carthaginian explores historical, adventure, coming of age, and war & conflict — 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.
- ✓ Readers ready to talk through themes after they finish — there's enough substance for a meaningful conversation.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about historical, adventure, coming of age.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers who get easily upset by emotional or moderately dark scenes — the conflict here is real, not just background flavor.
- ! Children who are sensitive to violence, even when handled at age-appropriate levels.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
12MP — Moderate — PhysicalReal stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.
Content Flags
Was our "Moderate" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
2/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
4/10Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781890623012
- Pages
- 430
- Publisher
- Lost Classics Book Company
- Published
- 1998
- Type
- Fiction