HootRated mascot HootRated

My name is Mina

David Almond

Cover of My name is Mina

My name is Mina

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by David Almond

Reading Level 7 Unrated Ages 9-12

The text is written at a 7th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is gentle with no concerning themes.

We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.

About This Book

Award-winning author David Almond reintroduces readers to the perceptive, sensitive Mina before the events of Skellig in this lyrical and fantastical work. My Name is Mina is not only a pleasure to read, it is an intimate and enlightening look at a character whose open mind and heart have much to teach us about life, love, and the mysteries that surround us. Mina loves the night. While everyone else is in a deep slumber, she gazes out the window, witness to the moon's silvery light. In the stillness, she can even hear her own heart beating. This is when Mina feels that anything is possible and her imagination is set free. A blank notebook lies on the table. It has been there for what seems like forever. Mina has proclaimed in the past that she will use it as a journal, and one night, at last, she begins to do just that. As she writes, Mina makes discoveries both trivial and profound about herself and her world, her thoughts and her dreams.

Quick Assessment

This is a Level 7 book. No notable content concerns flagged. Written for readers ages 9-12.

Why we rated My name is Mina Level 0

My name is Mina is written at a Level 7 reading level across 300 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 8.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, My name is Mina works for readers up to grade 9.0.

We rate My name is Mina as Unrated because the content sits in the "Unrated" range — no conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences.

No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the unrated intensity score.

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.

Maybe not for

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

For Parents

Content Intensity

Level 0 — Unrated
Gentle Mild Moderate Intense Very Intense

This book has not yet been rated for content intensity.

Data confidence: standard

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

Reading Insights

Hook Factor

1/10

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
6
Theme Richness
1
World Scope
3
Data Confidence
4

Details

Book Length

300 pages
ISBN
9780375873270
Pages
300
Publisher
Yearling
Published
2012
Type
Fiction

Genres

Subjects

Home SchoolingEccentrics and EccentricitiesMothers and DaughtersSingle-parent FamiliesFamily LifeFamiliesYoung Adult FictionEnglandSchools

Places

England