Ivanhound
Nancy Holder
Ivanhound
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Nancy Holder
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
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 — PhysicalLight 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
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
- ISBN
- 9780613279093
- Publisher
- Turtleback
- Published
- September 2000
- Type
- Fiction