What reading level is A friend like Henry?

A friend like Henry by Nuala Gardner is at a Level 7 reading level. Recommended for Middle Grades readers (Ages 9-12).

What age is A friend like Henry appropriate for?

A friend like Henry is recommended for Ages 9-12. HootRating: 12IE (Intense — Emotional).

What genre is A friend like Henry?

A friend like Henry is nonfiction — Autistic children.

Does A friend like Henry have any content warnings?

A friend like Henry has a HootRating of 12IE (Intense — Emotional). No specific content flags noted. On HootRated, every book is rated across four dimensions — emotional, physical, social, and thematic — to help parents make informed choices.

How many pages is A friend like Henry?

A friend like Henry by Nuala Gardner is 342 pages.

A friend like Henry

Nuala Gardner

A friend like Henry

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Nuala Gardner

Reading Level 7 12IE Ages 9-12 Balanced Read

The text is written at a 7th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content has moderate intensity with some emotionally heavy themes.

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About This Book

The soft fur of Henry the Golden Retriever brushes against Dale's cheek as a gentle bark fills the room. In a world that sometimes feels loud and confusing, Henry’s calm presence is a comforting whisper. Together, they take small steps toward friendship, unlocking moments filled with hope and love.

Themes

Human-animal relationshipsDisability Representation Family Coming of AgeBiographies

Quick Assessment

This touching middle-grade novel shares the true story of a family navigating their son's severe autism and the transformative bond he forms with a therapy dog. Aimed at readers aged 9-12, it portrays challenges related to autism with sensitivity and highlights themes of resilience and unconditional love. Parents should note the depiction of behavioral struggles but will find an ultimately hopeful and inspiring message.

For Parents

Content Intensity

12IE — Intense — Emotional

Emotional

Intense ←

Physical

Light

Social

Light

Thematic

Light

Real stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.

Data confidence: standard

Was our "Moderate" content intensity rating accurate for this book?

Reading Insights

Hook Factor

1/10

A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.

Discussion Potential

4/10

Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

Vocabulary Level

Emotional Weight

Theme Richness

World Scope

Data Confidence

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Details

Book Length

342 pages

ISBN: 9780340934029
Pages: 342
Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton
Published: 2008
Type: Nonfiction

Genres

Autistic children

Subjects

Human-animal RelationshipsAnimauxBiographiesHenryEmploi En ThérapeutiqueAutistic ChildrenPsychologiePetsEnfants Et AnimauxTherapeutic UseEnfants AutistesEnfantsPopular WorksAutismAutism in ChildrenPets, Therapeutic UseDogs, BiographyScotland, Biography