Tom and the Red Gold Sword
Eleanor, J. Dixon
Tom and the Red Gold Sword
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Eleanor, J. Dixon
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
Tom clutches the glowing red sword as strange creatures from another planet surround him. Their voices tremble with urgency—only he can help them now. But can Tom unlock the sword's power before it's too late?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade adventure follows Tom, an ordinary boy who is unexpectedly called upon by alien beings in need of help. Suitable for ages 9-12, the story explores themes of courage and responsibility in a fast-paced, fantastical setting. Parents should note the presence of mild fantasy peril but no graphic content.
Why we rated Tom and the Red Gold Sword 9LP
Tom and the Red Gold Sword is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 196 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Tom and the Red Gold Sword works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Tom and the Red Gold Sword as 9LP ("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.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the mild intensity score.
Thematically, Tom and the Red Gold Sword explores adventure, fantasy world-building, friendship, and courage — 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 adventure, fantasy world-building, friendship.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9LP — Light — PhysicalLight 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
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781847530561
- Pages
- 196
- Publisher
- Lulu.com
- Published
- February 12, 2007
- Type
- Fiction