Reviewed by HootRated editorial · Last updated
Mighty Jack and the Goblin King
Ben Hatke
Mighty Jack and the Goblin King
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Ben Hatke
The text is written at a 2nd grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for teens (ages 13+), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.
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About This Book
Jack and Lilly are braver than anyone thinks—they dare to chase a kidnapper through a magical floating crossroads! Along the way, they face giant beasts and a Goblin King who rules with an iron fist. Their courage shows that even the smallest heroes can change the fate of a whole world.
Quick Assessment
This fantasy adventure follows siblings Jack and Lilly as they navigate a magical realm filled with fantastical creatures and dangers to rescue their friend Maddy. Suitable for middle-grade readers, the story contains themes of bravery and family bonds, with mild fantasy peril but no graphic content. It's a captivating tale that encourages courage and resilience in young readers.
Why we rated Mighty Jack and the Goblin King 7LE
Mighty Jack and the Goblin King is written at a Level 2-3 reading level with a Lexile measure of 460L across 205 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 3.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Mighty Jack and the Goblin King works for readers up to grade 4.5.
We rate Mighty Jack and the Goblin King as 7LE ("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, Mighty Jack and the Goblin King explores fantasy world-building, adventure, family, and friendship — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 13+ 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
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
7LE — 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
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781626722668
- Pages
- 205
- Publisher
- First Second Books
- Published
- 2017
- Type
- Fiction
- Lexile
- 460L