Trey of Swords
Andre Norton
Trey of Swords
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Andre Norton
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 cold metal of the sword hums softly in Yonan’s hand, shimmering with a light that seems alive. The air around him crackles as the ancient warrior awakens, ready to battle the shadows that threaten Witch World. Together, their courage will be tested like never before.
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fantasy novel follows Yonan, a young hero who discovers a magical sword and frees an ancient warrior to defend their world from dark forces. Suitable for readers aged 9-12, the story features themes of bravery, friendship, and good versus evil without intense violence or mature content.
Why we rated Trey of Swords 9LE
Trey of Swords is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 180 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Trey of Swords works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Trey of Swords 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, Trey of Swords explores fantasy world-building, adventure, friendship, and family — 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 fantasy world-building, adventure, friendship.
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
- 9780448143484
- Pages
- 180
- Publisher
- Grosset & Dunlap
- Published
- 1977
- Type
- Fiction