What reading level is Treasure Island?

Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson is at a Level 4-5 reading level. Recommended for Middle Grades readers (Ages 9-12).

What age is Treasure Island appropriate for?

Treasure Island is recommended for Ages 9-12. HootRating: 9LP (Light — Physical). Content flags: Mild Peril, Fantasy Violence.

Does Treasure Island have any content warnings?

Treasure Island has a HootRating of 9LP (Light — Physical). Content flags include: Mild Peril, Fantasy Violence. On HootRated, every book is rated across four dimensions — emotional, physical, social, and thematic — to help parents make informed choices.

How many pages is Treasure Island?

Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson is 178 pages.

Reviewed by HootRated editorial · Last updated June 9, 2026

Treasure Island

Robert Louis Stevenson

Treasure Island

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Robert Louis Stevenson

Reading Level 4-5 9LP Ages 9-12 Balanced Read

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.

Buy on Amazon Listen on Audible

We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.

About This Book

What if you found a treasure map that could lead you to hidden gold on a mysterious island? Imagine sailing across the Caribbean, facing daring pirates and dangerous secrets at every turn. Would you have the courage to outsmart Long John Silver and claim the treasure before it’s too late?

Themes

AdventurePiratesComing of Age Friendship

Quick Assessment

Treasure Island is a classic adventure story about a young boy named Jim who discovers a treasure map and embarks on a thrilling journey filled with pirates and danger. Suitable for ages 9-12, the book explores themes of bravery, trust, and the complexities of human nature. Parents should note the presence of mild peril and pirate-related conflict typical of adventure fiction.

Why we rated Treasure Island 9LP

Treasure Island is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 178 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Treasure Island works for readers up to grade 6.5.

We rate Treasure Island 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.

Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Mild Peril, Fantasy Violence.

Thematically, Treasure Island explores adventure, pirates, coming of age, and friendship — 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, pirates, coming of age.

Maybe not for

! 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.