Goblins!
Royce Buckingham
Goblins!
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
An UnderEarth Adventure
by Royce Buckingham
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
When a mischievous goblin slips through a secret tunnel, twelve-year-old Sam can't resist chasing after it into a hidden underground realm. His older brother PJ dives into the depths to bring Sam back, facing eerie creatures and thrilling challenges along the way. Together, they uncover a mysterious world lurking beneath their feet that tests their courage and brotherly bond.
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 Goblins! 10LP
Goblins! is written at a Level 5-6 reading level across 244 pages (approximately 47,466 words). Strong independent readers around grade 6.1 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Goblins! works for readers up to grade 7.1.
Read aloud, Goblins! runs about 5.3 hours — long enough to span several bedtime sessions.
We rate Goblins! as 10LP ("Light — 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, Goblins! explores adventure, family, and fantasy world-building — 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, family, fantasy world-building.
Maybe not for
- ! Children who are sensitive to violence, even when handled at age-appropriate levels.
For Parents
Content Intensity
10LP — Light — PhysicalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Content Flags
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
3/10A 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
- 9780399250026
- Pages
- 244
- Publisher
- Penguin
- Published
- 2008
- Type
- Fiction
- Word Count
- 47,466
- Read-Aloud
- ~5h 16m
- Text Density
- Standard