Reviewed by HootRated editorial · Last updated
Duffy and the devil
Harve Zemach
Duffy and the devil
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Harve Zemach
The text is written at a 5th 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 rhythmic clack of knitting needles fills the air, weaving a spell as Duffy makes a daring bargain with the devil. Soft yarn slips through her fingers, promising a carefree life and a name that could change everything. But when the time comes to guess the devil’s secret name, will Duffy’s courage hold tight?
Quick Assessment
This Caldecott Medal-winning folklore tale follows Duffy, who strikes a risky deal with the devil to secure a better life. Geared toward readers aged 9 to 12, the story blends suspense and tradition with full-color illustrations. Parents should note the story’s themes of cleverness and bravery framed in a classic folklore setting.
Why we rated Duffy and the devil 10LE
Duffy and the devil is written at a Level 5-6 reading level with a Lexile measure of 860L across 40 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 6.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Duffy and the devil works for readers up to grade 7.5.
We rate Duffy and the devil as 10LE ("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, Duffy and the devil explores folklore, adventure, cleverness, 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 folklore, adventure, cleverness.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
10LE — 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
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780374318871
- Pages
- 40
- Publisher
- Farrar, Straus & Giroux (BYR)
- Published
- 1973
- Type
- Fiction
- Lexile
- 860L