Naming
Alison Croggon
Naming
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
Book One of Pellinor
by Alison Croggon
The text is written at a 8th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
What if you discovered a secret power hidden deep inside you, a gift that could change everything? Imagine stepping into a world where names hold magic and every choice shapes your destiny. But what happens when that power comes with a price no one warned you about?
Quick Assessment
Naming by Alison Croggon is a middle-grade fantasy novel about a young girl's discovery of magical abilities tied to the power of names. Suitable for ages 9-12, the story explores themes of identity and self-discovery within an imaginative fantasy setting. Parents should note that the book includes elements of fantasy peril typical for this age group but contains no graphic content.
Why we rated Naming 12LE
Naming is written at a Level 8 reading level across 513 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 9.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Naming works for readers up to grade 10.0.
We rate Naming as 12LE ("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, Naming explores fantasy world-building, coming of age, adventure, and identity & self-discovery — 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 world-building, coming of age, adventure.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers whose emotional readiness lags behind their decoding skills — this book's intensity outruns its reading level, a classic "gifted kid" mismatch.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
12LE — 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
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
The Naming
Alison Croggon
The Naming
Alison Croggon
The Named
Marianne Curley
The Named
Marianne Curley
How I Found My Name
Punam Rajeev Jone
How I Found My Name
Punam Rajeev Jone
Gift
Alison Croggon
Gift
Alison Croggon
But Names Will Never Hurt Me
Bernard Waber
But Names Will Never Hurt Me
Bernard Waber
Namesake
Adrienne Young
Namesake
Adrienne Young
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780763694432
- Pages
- 513
- Publisher
- Candlewick Press
- Published
- 2017
- Type
- Fiction