Eyes of the tarot
Bruce Coville
Eyes of the tarot
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Bruce Coville
The text is written at a 4th 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.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
Bonnie shuffles the ancient tarot deck, and suddenly, shadows twist around her. Ghostly whispers fill the attic as the cards reveal secrets no one should know. But when a dark figure steps closer, Bonnie realizes some powers come with a price—and she’s not sure she’s ready.
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade novel follows Bonnie McBurnie as she discovers an old tarot deck in her grandmother’s attic, unlocking magical and supernatural forces. The story explores themes of family secrets and confronting fears, with elements of fantasy and mild horror suitable for children ages 9-12. Parents should note the presence of suspense and supernatural themes but no graphic content.
Why we rated Eyes of the tarot 9ME
Eyes of the tarot is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 179 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Eyes of the tarot works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Eyes of the tarot as 9ME ("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, 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, Eyes of the tarot explores adventure, fantasy & magic, ghost stories, family, and mystery — 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.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about adventure, fantasy & magic, ghost stories.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers who get easily upset by emotional or moderately dark scenes — the conflict here is real, not just background flavor.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9ME — 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
3/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Tarot
Megan Atwood
Tarot
Megan Atwood
The Tarot Deck Mess
Sarah Beck
The Tarot Deck Mess
Sarah Beck
Magic Shades (Fortune Tellers Club)
Dotti Enderle
Magic Shades (Fortune Tellers Club)
Dotti Enderle
A wicked pack of cards
Rosemary Harris
A wicked pack of cards
Rosemary Harris
Junior Tarot Reader's Deck and Guidebook
Nikki Van De Car
Junior Tarot Reader's Deck and Guidebook
Nikki Van De Car
Eyes in the Fishbowl
Zilpha Keatley Snyder
Eyes in the Fishbowl
Zilpha Keatley Snyder
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780671536398
- Pages
- 179
- Publisher
- Simon Pulse
- Published
- 1996
- Type
- Fiction