A feast of snakes
Harry Crews
A feast of snakes
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Harry Crews
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.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
The crowd buzzes with excitement as rattlesnakes wriggle in the dirt under the hot sun. Suddenly, a snake darts toward the startled crowd—what will happen next? The town's wild tradition is about to take a surprising turn.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fiction explores the intense excitement and dangers surrounding a small town's annual rattlesnake round-up. Suitable for ages 9-12, the story contains mild peril and suspense but remains appropriate for middle-grade readers. Parents should note the presence of some tense scenes involving wildlife but no graphic violence.
Why we rated A feast of snakes 9LP
A feast of snakes is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 177 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, A feast of snakes works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate A feast of snakes 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.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the mild intensity score.
Thematically, A feast of snakes explores adventure, community, and tradition — 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, community, tradition.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9LP — Light — PhysicalLight 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
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Rattlesnakes
Eric Ethan
Rattlesnakes
Eric Ethan
Snake Supper
Alan Durant
Snake Supper
Alan Durant
Snakes
Erik D. Stoops
Snakes
Erik D. Stoops
Rattlesnakes
Sherie Bargar
Rattlesnakes
Sherie Bargar
Snakes
Erik Stoops
Snakes
Erik Stoops
Western Diamondback Rattlesnake
Gary Sprott
Western Diamondback Rattlesnake
Gary Sprott
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0689107293
- Pages
- 177
- Publisher
- Atheneum Books
- Published
- 1976
- Type
- Fiction