I, Coriander (Reissue)
Sally Gardner
I, Coriander (Reissue)
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Sally Gardner
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.
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About This Book
Coriander slips through the shadowy streets of seventeenth-century London, her heart pounding as dark forces close in. Magic stirs in her veins, but will it be enough to rescue the mysterious fairy trapped between worlds? Every step could lead to freedom—or danger.
Quick Assessment
Set in seventeenth-century London, this middle-grade fantasy follows Coriander, a young girl who discovers she has inherited magical powers from her mother. As she navigates a perilous fairy world, Coriander must use her magic to protect herself and an otherworldly captive. Appropriate for ages 9-12, the story features themes of bravery and self-discovery with some mild peril and fantasy elements.
Why we rated I, Coriander (Reissue) 12LE
I, Coriander (Reissue) is written at a Level 7 reading level across 320 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 8.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, I, Coriander (Reissue) works for readers up to grade 9.0.
We rate I, Coriander (Reissue) 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.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the mild intensity score.
Thematically, I, Coriander (Reissue) explores fantasy world-building, adventure, family, 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.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about fantasy world-building, adventure, family.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers whose emotional readiness lags behind their decoding skills — this book's intensity outruns its reading level, a classic "gifted kid" mismatch.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
12LE — Light — EmotionalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
2/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781444015676
- Pages
- 320
- Publisher
- Orion Children's Books
- Published
- 2015
- Type
- Fiction