Reviewed by HootRated editorial · Last updated
In the time of Dragon Moon
Janet Lee Carey
In the time of Dragon Moon
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Janet Lee Carey
The text is written at a 4th 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
The sharp scent of pine and ocean salt fills the air as Uma tends to the wounded beneath the towering trees of Wilde Island. Suddenly, a chilling decree from the English queen threatens to change everything, forcing Uma into a dangerous quest where every heartbeat echoes with fear. Beside her stands Pendragon, a prince with wings of dragon and fairy, hiding a secret that could save or doom them both.
Themes
Quick Assessment
Set on the mystical Wilde Island, this middle-grade fantasy follows Uma, a Healer caught between her tribe and the English queen's harsh demands. The story explores themes of bravery, cultural identity, and trust as Uma teams up with a part-dragon, part-fairy prince. Suitable for ages 9-12, the book includes mild peril and themes of kidnapping but handles them in an age-appropriate manner.
Why we rated In the time of Dragon Moon 9ME
In the time of Dragon Moon is written at a Level 4-5 reading level with a Lexile measure of 710L across 472 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, In the time of Dragon Moon works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate In the time of Dragon Moon as 9ME ("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 — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Mild Peril, Kidnapping.
Thematically, In the time of Dragon Moon explores fantasy world-building, adventure, friendship, cultural identity, and family — 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, friendship.
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
9ME — Moderate — EmotionalReal stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.
Content Flags
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
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Dragonswood
Janet Lee Carey
Dragonswood
Janet Lee Carey
Dragon Moon
Carole Wilkinson
Dragon Moon
Carole Wilkinson
Moon Dragons
Dyan Sheldon
Moon Dragons
Dyan Sheldon
Moon-Daughters, War-Daughters, and Wizards
N.J.W. Mitchell
Moon-Daughters, War-Daughters, and Wizards
N.J.W. Mitchell
Moon rising
Tui T. Sutherland
Moon rising
Tui T. Sutherland
The magnificent moon hare
Sue Monroe
The magnificent moon hare
Sue Monroe
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780803738102
- Pages
- 472
- Publisher
- Kathy Dawson Books
- Published
- 2015
- Type
- Fiction
- Lexile
- 710L