A gathering of wolves
Michael Hammonds
A gathering of wolves
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Michael Hammonds
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.
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About This Book
Here's a secret: Walt Canfield thinks he can get rich by kidnapping Addie Ballard, the daughter of a powerful man. But the mountain man traveling with Addie has his own plan that could change everything. And that's only the beginning.
Quick Assessment
Set in 1913, this middle-grade mystery follows Walt Canfield's scheme to kidnap Addie Ballard for ransom, but an unexpected protector intervenes. The story explores themes of danger and bravery in a historical setting suitable for ages 9-12. Parents should note mild peril related to kidnapping but no graphic content.
Why we rated A gathering of wolves 9LE
A gathering of wolves is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 160 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, A gathering of wolves works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate A gathering of wolves as 9LE ("Light — Emotional") 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 gathering of wolves explores mystery, adventure, and historical — 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.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about mystery, adventure, historical.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers looking for something heavier — this is a gentle, low-stakes story by design.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9LE — Light — EmotionalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
3/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0385096909
- Pages
- 160
- Publisher
- Doubleday
- Published
- 1975
- Type
- Fiction