A Wish for Wings
Robert Swindells
A Wish for Wings
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Robert Swindells
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
Jenna clutches the old gun tightly, her heart pounding as she watches Ned disappear into the shadows. 'I'll fly,' she whispers, daring to dream like her hero Amy Johnson, but now her biggest wish is to find that missing gun before it's too late. What will Jenna do when the secret she's guarding starts to unravel?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade horror story follows thirteen-year-old Jenna, who dreams of flying like her grandmother's wartime hero. When a loaded gun from her grandfather's past goes missing, Jenna suspects her brother and faces a tense family mystery. Suitable for ages 9-12, the book features mild suspense and themes of bravery and family secrets.
Why we rated A Wish for Wings 9LP
A Wish for Wings is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 192 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, A Wish for Wings works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate A Wish for Wings 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.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Mild Peril.
Thematically, A Wish for Wings explores horror & ghost stories, chillers, family, and coming of age — 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 horror & ghost stories, chillers, family.
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.
Content Flags
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780440863960
- Pages
- 192
- Publisher
- Corgi
- Published
- May 1, 2002
- Type
- Fiction