Dickens & Rumi

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The black arrow

Robert Louis Stevenson · 1888

Explore the age guidance, content cautions, positive qualities, and supporting notes for The black arrow by Robert Louis Stevenson. This book is recommended for ages 13+; content notes include Violence, Death of a character, Frightening scenes; positive qualities include Courage & resilience, Creativity & curiosity.

Ages 13+Source checked

Why this age? The novel contains frequent medieval combat, killings, danger, kidnapping and revenge, with archaic language and complex plotting. Sexual content is minimal, but the violence and historical setting suit mature young readers. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age13+

Strongest cautions

  • Violence4/5
  • Death of a character3/5
  • Frightening scenes3/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Creativity & curiosity3/5
  • Good role models3/5

What’s in it?

Death of a character3/5
Why this rating?

Deaths and attempted killings are part of the wartime plot, including executions and revenge; grief is present but not the main focus.

Graphic injury2/5
Why this rating?

Injuries and deaths are described in a literary, non-gratuitous manner.

Strong language1/5
Why this rating?

Contains period-appropriate language and some light insults, nothing considered strong or offensive by modern standards.

Religious themes2/5
Why this rating?

Religious figures and institutions appear, reflecting 15th-century English society.

Romance3/5
Why this rating?

The hero's relationship with Joanna is important to the story, involving attraction, loyalty, separation and eventual romantic resolution.

Frightening scenes3/5
Why this rating?

Frequent peril, captivity, ambushes and nighttime threats create moderate suspense, but the story is adventure rather than horror and has no supernatural scares.

Alcohol or drugs1/5
Why this rating?

Occasional mention of tavern settings and alcohol consumption typical of the era.

Violence4/5
Why this rating?

Sword fights, ambushes, battles, imprisonment and threats occur repeatedly in the medieval conflict; violence is adventurous but can be serious.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

The protagonists repeatedly face armed enemies, captivity and political danger, showing bravery and persistence, though some risks are reckless.

Creativity & curiosity3/5
Why this rating?

Disguises, secret alliances, escapes, coded symbolism and inventive schemes strongly support imaginative engagement and problem-solving.

Educational value2/5
Why this rating?

It offers historical atmosphere and a fictionalized view of the Wars of the Roses, though its main purpose is adventure rather than instruction.

Kindness & empathy2/5
Why this rating?

Loyal companions show care and generosity, but the harsh wartime plot often emphasizes survival, suspicion and retaliation over everyday kindness.

Positive messages3/5
Why this rating?

The story values loyalty, justice, courage and resistance to tyranny, while showing the costs of treachery, cruelty and revenge.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

Characters show loyalty and bravery, but some use deception, violence and retaliation; moral choices are shaped by wartime circumstances.

Family discussion

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

  1. What did courage look like in this story? Was being brave always the same as being fearless?
  2. How did the story handle conflict or violence? Did the characters have other choices?
  3. Which choice in The black arrow would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in The black arrow, and what caused that change?
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These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

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