What reading level is Palace of Spies?

Palace of Spies by Sarah Zettel is at a Level 5-6 reading level (Lexile 860L). Recommended for Middle Grades readers (Ages 9-12).

What age is Palace of Spies appropriate for?

Palace of Spies is recommended for Ages 9-12. HootRating: 10LE (Light — Emotional).

What genre is Palace of Spies?

Palace of Spies is fiction — Juvenile Fiction.

Does Palace of Spies have any content warnings?

Palace of Spies has a HootRating of 10LE (Light — Emotional). No specific content flags noted. On HootRated, every book is rated across four dimensions — emotional, physical, social, and thematic — to help parents make informed choices.

How many pages is Palace of Spies?

Palace of Spies by Sarah Zettel is 362 pages.

Reviewed by HootRated editorial · Last updated September 7, 2026

Palace of Spies

Sarah Zettel

Palace of Spies

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

Being a True, Accurate, and Complete Account of the Scandalous and Wholly Remarkable Adventures of Margaret Preston Fitzroy, Counterfeit Lady, Accused Thief, and Confidential Agent at the Court of His Majesty, King George I

by Sarah Zettel

Reading Level 5-6 10LE Ages 9-12 Balanced Read

The text is written at a 5th 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 rustle of silk gowns and the sharp scent of burning candles fill the grand halls of King George's palace. Amid whispers and shadowy corners, Peggy Fitzroy weaves her clever plans to blend in where secrets are as common as breath. But in a place where trust is rare, can she keep her true self hidden and find her way to safety?

Themes

HistoryAdventure Coming of AgeOrphansFriendship Mystery

Quick Assessment

Palace of Spies is a historical middle-grade novel set in King George's court, featuring Peggy Fitzroy, an orphan who must use her wits to navigate a world of secrets and intrigue. Suitable for readers aged 9-12, the story explores themes of survival, identity, and loyalty in a richly detailed historical setting. Parents should note the presence of mild peril and complex social dynamics typical of court life.

Why we rated Palace of Spies 10LE

Palace of Spies is written at a Level 5-6 reading level with a Lexile measure of 860L across 362 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 6.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Palace of Spies works for readers up to grade 7.5.

We rate Palace of Spies as 10LE ("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, Palace of Spies explores history, adventure, coming of age, orphans, and friendship — 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.
✓ Kids drawn to stories about history, adventure, coming of age.