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Ivanhound

Nancy Holder

Cover of Ivanhound

Ivanhound

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Nancy Holder

Reading Level 4-5 9LP Ages 9-12 Balanced Read

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 mild with minimal sensitive material.

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About This Book

Wishbone races through the dense forest, heart pounding as arrows whistle past him. Suddenly, he stumbles upon Robin Hood and his merry band—what secret mission could they be planning next? Just as danger closes in, everything hangs in the balance.

Themes

AdventureDogsFriendshipHistorical Fiction

Quick Assessment

This middle-grade adventure follows Wishbone as he imagines himself as Ivanhoe in medieval England, encountering Robin Hood and his band of outlaws. Suitable for ages 9 to 12, the story offers a blend of historical fiction and imaginative play with themes of friendship and bravery. The content is light on peril and appropriate for young readers looking for an engaging, action-filled tale.

Why we rated Ivanhound 9LP

Ivanhound is written at a Level 4-5 reading level. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Ivanhound works for readers up to grade 6.5.

We rate Ivanhound as 9LP ("Light — Physical") 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, Ivanhound explores adventure, dogs, friendship, and historical fiction — 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 adventure, dogs, friendship.

Maybe not for

  • ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.

For Parents

Content Intensity

9LP — Light — Physical
Emotional
Light
Physical
Light
Social
Clear
Thematic
Clear

Light conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.

Data confidence: standard

Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?

Reading Insights

Hook Factor

2/10

A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.

Discussion Potential

1/10

A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

Vocabulary Level
4
Emotional Weight
4
Theme Richness
4
World Scope
1
Data Confidence
7

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Details

ISBN
9780613279093
Publisher
Turtleback
Published
September 2000
Type
Fiction

Genres

Subjects

Adventure and AdventurersDogsFantasy Fiction