Here lies Arthur
Philip Reeve
Here lies Arthur
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Philip Reeve
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.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
What if a young girl named Gwyna witnessed her village being destroyed and had to trust a mysterious bard named Myrddin? Imagine watching as Myrddin shapes a boy named Arthur into the legendary king everyone will remember—but at what cost?
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade historical fantasy follows Gwyna, a girl whose village is devastated, leading her to seek help from the enigmatic bard Myrddin. The story explores themes of magic, history, and the transformation of Arthur into a legendary figure. Suitable for ages 9-12, the book contains some intense moments of peril but is appropriate for readers ready for complex storytelling.
Why we rated Here lies Arthur 12ME
Here lies Arthur is written at a Level 7 reading level across 339 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 8.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Here lies Arthur works for readers up to grade 9.0.
We rate Here lies Arthur as 12ME ("Moderate — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Moderate" range — moderate conflict that may involve loss, scary scenes, or interpersonal stakes. The strongest signals come from emotional weight, physical peril, thematic difficulty — 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, Here lies Arthur explores adventure, fantasy world-building, historical, friendship, and coming of age — 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.
- ✓ Readers ready to talk through themes after they finish — there's enough substance for a meaningful conversation.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about adventure, fantasy world-building, historical.
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.
For Parents
Content Intensity
12ME — Moderate — EmotionalReal stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.
Was our "Moderate" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
2/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
4/10Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
King Arthur and the knights of the Round Table
Benedict Flynn
King Arthur and the knights of the Round Table
Benedict Flynn
Arthur, High King of Britain
Michael Morpurgo
Arthur, High King of Britain
Michael Morpurgo
Arthur the Always King
Kevin Crossley-Holland
Arthur the Always King
Kevin Crossley-Holland
Arthur High King of Britain
M. Morpurgo
Arthur High King of Britain
M. Morpurgo
Arthur
Kathleen Duey
Arthur
Kathleen Duey
The legend of King Arthur
Robin Lister
The legend of King Arthur
Robin Lister
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780545093347
- Pages
- 339
- Publisher
- Scholastic Press
- Published
- 2008
- Type
- Fiction