Hound of the Baskervilles
Arthur Conan Doyle
Hound of the Baskervilles
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
From the Story by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
by Arthur Conan Doyle
The text is written at a 4th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is intense and may include graphic or distressing scenes.
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About This Book
The night is dark and the moor is alive with eerie howls as footsteps race through the mist. Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson are in hot pursuit of a mysterious, ghostly hound that terrifies a noble family. Suddenly, a chilling growl echoes nearby—what’s lurking in the shadows?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This classic detective story follows Sherlock Holmes as he investigates a mysterious legend involving a terrifying hound threatening the Baskerville family. While suitable for middle-grade readers, parents should be aware of some intense scenes including animal distress, physical injury, and suspenseful moments involving danger and loss. The book blends mystery and adventure with Victorian-era settings, making it an engaging read for ages 9 to 12.
Why we rated Hound of the Baskervilles 9IP
Hound of the Baskervilles is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 158 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Hound of the Baskervilles works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Hound of the Baskervilles as 9IP ("Intense — Physical") because the content sits in the "Intense" range — intense conflict including peril, frightening scenes, or emotionally heavy themes. The strongest signals come from emotional weight, physical peril, thematic difficulty — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Animal Death, Animal Abuse, Restraint, Unconsciousness, Fall, Broken Bone, Family Member Death, Surveillance, Gun Violence.
Thematically, Hound of the Baskervilles explores detective, adventure, mystery, animals, 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.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about detective, adventure, mystery.
Maybe not for
- ! Sensitive readers who get overwhelmed by intense conflict or scary scenes.
- ! Children younger than 9-12 — the content intensity is above what most younger kids can process comfortably.
- ! Children who are sensitive to violence, even when handled at age-appropriate levels.
- ! Children currently coping with grief — the themes may hit close to home.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9IP — Intense — PhysicalHeavy themes explored in depth. War, death, abuse addressed directly.
Content Flags
Was our "Intense" 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
- 9781580866057
- Pages
- 158
- Publisher
- Usborne Books
- Published
- 2004
- Type
- Fiction