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Cover of Treasure Island

Treasure Island

Robert Louis Stevenson (1880)

SubgenreChildren's Fantasy
Age groupMiddle Grade 8-12
Content ratingPG
Pages248 (Quick Read (<250))
SettingModern/Urban
CSM age10
Goodreads3.85/5 (546231)

Content levels

ViolenceModerate
Sexual contentNone
LanguageMild

Synopsis

Traditionally considered a coming-of-age story, Treasure Island is an adventure tale known for its atmosphere, characters and action, and also as a wry commentary on the ambiguity of morality — as seen in Long John Silver — unusual for children's literature then and now. It is one of the most frequently dramatized of all novels. The influence of Treasure Island on popular perceptions of pirates is enormous, including treasure maps marked with an "X", schooners, the Black Spot, tropical islands, and one-legged seamen carrying parrots on their shoulders

Is Treasure Island appropriate for my child?

Suitable for most readers 10 and up.

Classic adventure tale with pirate violence including sword fights, gunfire, and deaths, but not graphically described. Some drinking and morally ambiguous characters provide teaching moments about ethics.

What to know going in

This book has moderate violence, no sexual content, and mild language. Content notes include murder, death, and violence (see the full list above).

Who'll love this

Kids will love the thrilling treasure hunt, exciting pirate battles, and the clever but dangerous Long John Silver.

Tags

Historical AdventurePirate FictionClassic LiteratureSea AdventureBildungsroman