Briar and Rose and Jack
Katherine Coville
Briar and Rose and Jack
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Katherine Coville
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.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
The sweet scent of wildflowers drifts through the air as Lady Briar tiptoes past towering beanstalks. Princess Rose’s laughter sparkles like sunlight, but shadows of curses and secrets stir beneath the kingdom’s charm. When an evil giant threatens their home, can friendship and courage break the darkest spells?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade novel blends classic fairy tales with fresh themes of prejudice, justice, and the power of true love. Targeted at ages 9-12, it features complex characters navigating curses and an oppressive giant in their kingdom, emphasizing themes of friendship and bravery. Parents should note the story involves some peril and magical conflict but handles these elements thoughtfully.
Why we rated Briar and Rose and Jack 12ME
Briar and Rose and Jack is written at a Level 7 reading level across 368 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 8.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Briar and Rose and Jack works for readers up to grade 9.0.
We rate Briar and Rose and Jack as 12ME ("Moderate — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Moderate" range — moderate conflict that may involve loss, scary scenes, or interpersonal stakes. The strongest signals come from emotional weight, physical peril, thematic difficulty — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the moderate intensity score.
Thematically, Briar and Rose and Jack explores fairy tales, friendship, justice, courage, and family — 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 fairy tales, friendship, justice.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers who get easily upset by emotional or moderately dark scenes — the conflict here is real, not just background flavor.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
12ME — Moderate — EmotionalReal stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.
Was our "Moderate" 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
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Briar Rose
Alyxandra Harvey
Briar Rose
Alyxandra Harvey
Jack and the Beanstalk
Rose Impey
Jack and the Beanstalk
Rose Impey
Jack and the Beanstalk
Kathleen Lines
Jack and the Beanstalk
Kathleen Lines
Jack and the Beanstalk
Sarah Wade
Jack and the Beanstalk
Sarah Wade
The Rose Bride
Nancy Holder
The Rose Bride
Nancy Holder
Rose daughter
Robin McKinley
Rose daughter
Robin McKinley
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781328632555
- Pages
- 368
- Publisher
- HarperCollins
- Published
- 2019
- Type
- Fiction