Good Ogre
Platte F. Clark
Good Ogre
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Platte F. Clark
The text is written at a 7th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
Max’s back in Madison, but trouble isn’t far behind. Just as he’s dodging bullies in the school gym, a new kid named Wayne pulls him into a world of magic—and suddenly, portals start opening and monsters appear. What dark secret is hiding behind this new adventure?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fantasy novel follows Max, a young wizard who returns home only to face new magical threats that blur the line between his world and another realm. The story includes themes of friendship, adventure, and self-discovery, with some school bullying and fantasy violence. Suitable for ages 9 to 12, it balances humor and action while exploring the challenges of growing up.
Why we rated Good Ogre 12LE
Good Ogre is written at a Level 7 reading level across 384 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 8.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Good Ogre works for readers up to grade 9.0.
We rate Good Ogre as 12LE ("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.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Mild Peril, Bullying, Fantasy Violence.
Thematically, Good Ogre explores wizards, adventure, friendship, fantasy world-building, and humor — 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 wizards, adventure, friendship.
Maybe not for
- ! Children who are sensitive to violence, even when handled at age-appropriate levels.
- ! Readers whose emotional readiness lags behind their decoding skills — this book's intensity outruns its reading level, a classic "gifted kid" mismatch.
For Parents
Content Intensity
12LE — Light — EmotionalLight 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
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Good Enough To Eat
Brock Cole
Good Enough To Eat
Brock Cole
Wizard of Ooze
R. L. Stine
Wizard of Ooze
R. L. Stine
Good Ogre (The Bad Unicorn Trilogy)
Platte F. Clark
Good Ogre (The Bad Unicorn Trilogy)
Platte F. Clark
Welcome Back, Ogre
Sierra Harimann
Welcome Back, Ogre
Sierra Harimann
Bad Unicorn
Platte F. Clark
Bad Unicorn
Platte F. Clark
The Awfully Angry Ogre
Suzanne Williams
The Awfully Angry Ogre
Suzanne Williams
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781442450202
- Pages
- 384
- Publisher
- Simon and Schuster
- Published
- 2015
- Type
- Fiction