Bull
David Elliott
Bull
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
A Novel
by David Elliott
The text is written at a 6th 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 bull charges through a maze of shadows, horns clashing against stone walls. Suddenly, a voice echoes, daring the hero who dares to face the beast. But what secret hides behind those monstrous eyes?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade book is a darkly humorous and poetic retelling of the classic Greek myth of Theseus and the Minotaur. Told in verse, it offers a fresh perspective on the story, focusing on the mythical creature's point of view. Suitable for ages 9-12, it contains some intense themes and language that challenge traditional storytelling.
Why we rated Bull 11ME
Bull is written at a Level 6 reading level across 200 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Bull works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Bull as 11ME ("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, Bull explores mythology, poetry, adventure, fantasy world-building, 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 mythology, poetry, adventure.
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
11ME — 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
2/10A 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
- 9781328698933
- Pages
- 200
- Publisher
- HarperCollins
- Published
- 2017
- Type
- Fiction