Compass of Dreams
Pierdomenico Baccalario
Compass of Dreams
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
Enchanted Emporium #2
by Pierdomenico Baccalario
Illustrated by Bruno, Iacopo, illustrator
The text is written at a 6th 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
What if the quiet town you live in hides a secret older than time itself? Imagine magical shops, mysterious disappearances, and a legendary compass that could change everything. When animals start vanishing, fourteen-year-old Finley must unravel the mystery before the magic fades forever.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fantasy novel follows Finley McPhee as he navigates magical mysteries in his small town, blending folklore and adventure. Suitable for ages 9-12, it explores themes of magic, courage, and friendship without intense content. Parents can expect an engaging story that encourages imagination and problem-solving.
Why we rated Compass of Dreams 11LE
Compass of Dreams is written at a Level 6 reading level across 237 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Compass of Dreams works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Compass of Dreams as 11LE ("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, Compass of Dreams explores magic, folklore, adventure, juvenile fiction, and green man — 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 magic, folklore, adventure.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11LE — 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
- 9781434265173
- Pages
- 237
- Publisher
- Capstone
- Published
- 2015
- Type
- Fiction