Tom Swift and His Jetmarine
John Almquist
Tom Swift and His Jetmarine
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by John Almquist
Illustrated by Tony Tallarico
The text is written at a 6th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
The salty breeze stings your nose as waves crash against the rocky shores of Spaniel Island. Strange blackouts plunge the area into darkness, and the riddle of the dog coins might be the key to unlocking the mystery. Can you feel the thrill of discovery sparkling in the air?
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade adventure follows Tom Swift, Jr. as he investigates mysterious blackouts near Spaniel Island connected to unusual dog coins. Suitable for ages 9-12, the story offers engaging problem-solving and teamwork without intense conflict or frightening content.
Why we rated Tom Swift and His Jetmarine 11LP
Tom Swift and His Jetmarine is written at a Level 6 reading level across 208 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Tom Swift and His Jetmarine works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Tom Swift and His Jetmarine as 11LP ("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 Swift and His Jetmarine explores adventure, mystery, friendship, and science & nature — 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 adventure, mystery, friendship.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers looking for something heavier — this is a gentle, low-stakes story by design.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11LP — Light — PhysicalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
3/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Tom Swift
Victor Appleton
Tom Swift
Victor Appleton
Tom Swift and His Aeriel Warship
Victor Appleton
Tom Swift and His Aeriel Warship
Victor Appleton
Tom Swift and His Airship
Victor Appleton
Tom Swift and His Airship
Victor Appleton
Tom Swift and His Airship
Howard Roger Garis
Tom Swift and His Airship
Howard Roger Garis
Tom Swift and His Great Searchlight: Or
Victor Appleton
Tom Swift and His Great Searchlight: Or
Victor Appleton
Tom Swift in the Land of Wonders
Victor Appleton
Tom Swift in the Land of Wonders
Victor Appleton
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780448146034
- Pages
- 208
- Publisher
- Grosset & Dunlap
- Published
- April 1978
- Type
- Fiction