Reviewed by HootRated editorial · Last updated
Clockwork, or All wound up
Philip Pullman
Clockwork, or All wound up
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Philip Pullman
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
The gears turn and tick as the apprentice hurries through the dark workshop, shadows flickering on the walls. Suddenly, a lifelike figure stirs, its eyes glowing eerily in the dim light. What secrets will this strange creation reveal before time runs out?
Themes
Quick Assessment
Set in old Germany, this middle-grade fiction blends supernatural elements with a gripping tale of a storyteller and a clockmaker’s apprentice. Suitable for ages 9-12, the story explores themes of creativity and fear through an eerie, animated figure crafted by Dr. Kalmenius. Parents should note the presence of mild suspense and supernatural menace appropriate for this age group.
Why we rated Clockwork, or All wound up 9LE
Clockwork, or All wound up is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 112 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Clockwork, or All wound up works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Clockwork, or All wound up 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, Clockwork, or All wound up explores supernatural, adventure, storytelling, and fantasy — 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 supernatural, adventure, storytelling.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
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
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
- 9780590129985
- Pages
- 112
- Publisher
- Scholastic Paperbacks
- Published
- 1999
- Type
- Fiction