Dickens & Rumi

book

Tom Swift and his Motor Cycle

Howard Roger Garis; Victor Appleton · 1910

Explore the age guidance, content cautions, positive qualities, and supporting notes for Tom Swift and his Motor Cycle by Howard Roger Garis; Victor Appleton. This book is recommended for ages 9+; content notes include Frightening scenes, Violence, Alcohol or drugs; positive qualities include Creativity & curiosity, Courage & resilience.

Ages 9+Source checked

Why this age? Adventure peril, pursuit, crime, and period attitudes are more suitable for middle-grade readers; the prose and historical setting may also challenge younger children. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age9+

Strongest cautions

  • Frightening scenes2/5
  • Violence2/5
  • Alcohol or drugs1/5

Strongest positives

  • Creativity & curiosity4/5
  • Courage & resilience3/5
  • Good role models3/5

What’s in it?

Death of a character1/5
Why this rating?

No major character deaths occur.

Strong language1/5
Why this rating?

The language is polite and archaic, consistent with literature from 1910.

Frightening scenes2/5
Why this rating?

Minor tension involving villains or dangerous situations, but nothing intended to terrify.

Alcohol or drugs1/5
Why this rating?

No depiction of substance use.

Violence2/5
Why this rating?

Includes brief instances of fisticuffs or scuffles typical of turn-of-the-century adventure tales.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience3/5
Why this rating?

Tom and companions face danger and uncertainty with persistence and practical courage, usually relying on resourcefulness rather than aggression.

Creativity & curiosity4/5
Why this rating?

The book centers entirely on the creative and scientific process of invention.

Educational value2/5
Why this rating?

It offers incidental exposure to early motorcycles, mechanics, invention, and transportation rather than systematic instruction.

Kindness & empathy2/5
Why this rating?

Tom frequently assists others in need throughout his adventures.

Positive messages3/5
Why this rating?

Promotes scientific curiosity, hard work, and helping others.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

Tom is portrayed as an ambitious and inventive role model.

Family discussion

Talk about it

Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What was the most imaginative idea in the story, and what would you add to it?
  2. Which moment felt most tense or frightening? What helped the characters handle fear?
  3. Which choice in Tom Swift and his Motor Cycle would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in Tom Swift and his Motor Cycle, and what caused that change?
Discuss this title with other parents

Community reactions

What families noticed

Add your perspective

Sign in from the homepage to rate this title.

Where to get it

Find in a libraryBuy on Bookshop.orgBuy on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate and Bookshop.org affiliate, Dickens & Rumi may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.

If you liked this

Try something nearby

Related by age fit, format, and catalogue context.

You’re hereTom Swift and his Motor Cycle
Drowned Ammet (Dalemark Quartet, Book 2)Diana Wynne Jones · 1977Ages 12+Cart and Cwidder (The Dalemark Quartet)Diana Wynne Jones · 1975Ages 12+THE KEEPERDavid BaldacciAges 12+THE FINISHERDavid BaldacciAges 10+

These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

Report an incorrect rating