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Medallion of the black hound

Jean Little

Cover of Medallion of the black hound

Medallion of the black hound

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Jean Little

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

The sharp clang of swords echoes through the misty forest, and a cold breeze carries the scent of ancient magic. David clutches the heavy Medallion of the Black Hound, its power humming against his chest as he steps into the mysterious world of Meryn. The fate of good and evil hangs in the balance, and David’s courage will be tested like never before.

Quick Assessment

This fantasy novel follows David, a young boy who is transported to the magical world of Meryn by the Medallion of the Black Hound. There, he becomes involved in an epic battle between good and evil. Suitable for readers aged 9 to 12, the story contains mild fantasy peril and themes of bravery and adventure.

Why we rated Medallion of the black hound 9LP

Medallion of the black hound is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 182 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Medallion of the black hound works for readers up to grade 6.5.

We rate Medallion of the black hound 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, Medallion of the black hound explores fantasy, adventure, 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, adventure, coming of age.

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
Light

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

2/10

A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

Vocabulary Level
4
Emotional Weight
4
Theme Richness
3
World Scope
1
Data Confidence
7

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Details

Book Length

182 pages
ISBN
0060243686
Pages
182
Publisher
Harpercollins Childrens Books
Published
1989
Type
Fiction

Genres

Subjects

FantasyFantasy Fiction