Reviewed by HootRated editorial · Last updated
Fridays with the wizards
Jessica Day George
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. Its HootRating code, LP, means mild content, mostly physical.
We may earn a commission from these links.
About This Book
Princess Celie faces a thrilling challenge when the powerful wizard Arkwright breaks free from his prison and vanishes inside the castle walls. With her family's safety at stake, she embarks on a brave quest filled with magic and mystery to track down the lost wizard. Adventure and courage come alive as she navigates enchanted halls and hidden secrets.
Quick Assessment
This is a Level 5-6 book with mild content intensity. Content themes include mild peril, fantasy violence. Written for readers ages 9-12.
Why we rated Fridays with the wizards LP (Mild)
Fridays with the wizards is written at a Level 5-6 reading level across 234 pages (approximately 51,043 words). Reading-wise, most kids in grade 7 and up can manage Fridays with the wizards on their own; younger readers can enjoy it with a parent or teacher reading along.
Read aloud, Fridays with the wizards runs about 5.7 hours — long enough to span several bedtime sessions.
We rate Fridays with the wizards as LP (Mild, mostly physical) 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.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Mild Peril, Fantasy Violence.
Thematically, Fridays with the wizards explores fantasy world-building, family, adventure, friendship, and magic — 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.
- ✓ Readers who like a steady plot with enough momentum to keep pages turning.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about fantasy world-building, family, adventure.
- ✓ Readers who fall hard for one book and want a long series to live in — there are 4 more books in the Tuesdays at the Castle series.
Maybe not for
- ! Children who are sensitive to violence, even when handled at age-appropriate levels.
For Parents
Content Intensity
LP · Mild · PhysicalReading the HootRating code: the first letter is the content intensity (C = Gentle · L = Mild · M = Moderate · I = Intense · V = Very Intense); the second, when there is one, is the kind of content that drives it (E = Emotional · P = Physical · S = Social · T = Thematic). Reading level and age range are rated separately. How we rate
Light conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Content Flags
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
6/10Engaging read with solid pacing and interesting themes.
Discussion Potential
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
More in the Tuesdays at the Castle Series
Tuesdays at the Castle
Jessica Day George
Tuesdays at the Castle
Jessica Day George
Wednesdays in the Tower Tuesdays at the Castle
Wednesdays in the Tower Tuesdays at the Castle
Thursdays with the crown
Jessica Day George
Thursdays with the crown
Jessica Day George
Saturdays at Sea
Jessica Day George
Saturdays at Sea
Jessica Day George
If your child liked this book, they might like these
Matched on content and themes — all rated for reading level and content intensity.
The secret of the crystal fairies
Elisabetta Dami
The secret of the crystal fairies
Elisabetta Dami
The Battle for the Castle
Elizabeth Winthrop
The Battle for the Castle
Elizabeth Winthrop
The Princess and the Goblin
George MacDonald
The Princess and the Goblin
George MacDonald
No Place for Magic
Elizabeth Dawson Baker
No Place for Magic
Elizabeth Dawson Baker
The castle of Llyr
Lloyd Alexander
The castle of Llyr
Lloyd Alexander
Leopards' gold
Jenny Nimmo
Leopards' gold
Jenny Nimmo
A week without Tuesday
Angelica Banks
A week without Tuesday
Angelica Banks
Calling on dragons
Patricia C. Wrede
Calling on dragons
Patricia C. Wrede
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781619634299
- Pages
- 234
- Published
- 2016
- Type
- Fiction
- Word Count
- 51,043
- Read-Aloud
- ~5h 40m
- Text Density
- Standard