Following the Raven
Jenny Weaver
Following the Raven
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Jenny Weaver
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 crisp splash of the canoe cuts through the quiet Alaskan wilderness, mingling with the fresh, pine-scented air. As the sun sets, a young boy listens closely to his father's voice, weaving tales of family bonds, daring adventures, and secrets hidden deep in the forests and bustling city streets. These stories stir feelings of love and loyalty, echoing through the vast, wild landscape.
Quick Assessment
Following the Raven is a middle-grade novel that explores themes of family, loyalty, and adventure through the lens of an Alaskan native boy's journey with his father. Set against the backdrop of both remote wilderness and urban Anchorage, the story offers cultural insights and emotional depth suitable for readers aged 9 to 12. The book contains gentle reflections on family history and personal growth, making it an enriching and age-appropriate read.
Why we rated Following the Raven 9LE
Following the Raven is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 113 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Following the Raven works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Following the Raven 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, Following the Raven explores family, adventure, and multicultural — 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 family, adventure, multicultural.
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
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781878044914
- Pages
- 113
- Publisher
- Mayhaven Publishing
- Published
- February 1, 2002
- Type
- Fiction