What reading level is Goblins?

Goblins by Philip Reeve is at a Level 7-8 reading level (Lexile 1020L). Recommended for Middle Grades readers (Ages 9-12).

What age is Goblins appropriate for?

Goblins is recommended for Ages 9-12. HootRating: 12MP (Moderate — Physical).

What genre is Goblins?

Goblins is fiction — Juvenile Fiction.

Does Goblins have any content warnings?

Goblins has a HootRating of 12MP (Moderate — Physical). No specific content flags noted. On HootRated, every book is rated across four dimensions — emotional, physical, social, and thematic — to help parents make informed choices.

How many pages is Goblins?

Goblins by Philip Reeve is 340 pages.

Reviewed by HootRated editorial · Last updated September 7, 2026

Goblins

Philip Reeve

Goblins

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Philip Reeve

Reading Level 7-8 12MP Ages 9-12 Balanced Read

The text is written at a 7th 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.

Find on Amazon Listen on Audible

We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.

About This Book

The sharp clang of swords and the acrid smell of smoke fill the air above the towering spires of Clovenstone. Goblins bicker and battle, their rough voices echoing through dark halls. But young Skarper senses something more dangerous stirring—a magic long thought defeated, ready to burst into chaos and change everything.

Themes

Fantasy World-Building AdventureMagicFriendship

Quick Assessment

This middle-grade fantasy novel follows a clever goblin named Skarper who discovers an ancient dark magic resurfacing in his world. Set in a vividly imagined goblin city, the story includes themes of adventure, conflict, and magic suitable for readers aged 9 to 12. Parents should note the presence of fantasy violence and some intense magical battles typical of the genre.

Why we rated Goblins 12MP

Goblins is written at a Level 7-8 reading level with a Lexile measure of 1020L across 340 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 8.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Goblins works for readers up to grade 9.5.

We rate Goblins as 12MP ("Moderate — Physical") because the content sits in the "Moderate" range — moderate conflict that may involve loss, scary scenes, or interpersonal stakes. The strongest signals come from physical peril — 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, Goblins explores fantasy world-building, adventure, magic, and friendship — 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 fantasy world-building, adventure, magic.

Maybe not for

! Readers who get easily upset by emotional or moderately dark scenes — the conflict here is real, not just background flavor.
! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.