Call me Ixchel
Janie Havemeyer
Call me Ixchel
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
Mayan Goddess of the Moon
by Janie Havemeyer
Illustrated by Bridges, Shirin Yim, illustrator
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 gentle with no concerning themes.
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About This Book
What happens when the moon goddess falls for the sun god? They run away together across the stars, journey through the mysterious Underworld, and meet the fearsome Vulture King. But can their love survive the dangers that lie ahead?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fiction book introduces readers to Maya mythology through the story of a moon goddess and sun god who elope and face adventures across the Milky Way and the Underworld. Suitable for ages 9-12, it blends mythological themes with imaginative storytelling, offering cultural insights without graphic content or mature themes.
Why we rated Call me Ixchel 9C
Call me Ixchel is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 155 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Call me Ixchel works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Call me Ixchel as 9C ("Clear") because the content sits in the "Gentle" range — no conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Across our four dimensions (emotional, physical, social, thematic) the book reads as evenly gentle; no single dimension stands out as a concern.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the gentle intensity score.
Thematically, Call me Ixchel explores mythology, adventure, fantasy world-building, 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 mythology, adventure, fantasy world-building.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers whose emotional readiness lags behind their decoding skills — this book's intensity outruns its reading level, a classic "gifted kid" mismatch.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9C — ClearNo conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Safe for sensitive readers.
Was our "Gentle" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
2/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781937463960
- Pages
- 155
- Publisher
- Treasury of Glorious Goddesses
- Published
- 2014
- Type
- Fiction