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Raven

Dean Whitlock

Cover of Raven

Raven

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Dean Whitlock

Reading Level 4-5 9MP Ages 9-12 Matched

The text is written at a 4th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content has moderate intensity with some emotionally heavy themes.

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About This Book

Raven, a magical shape-shifter, sets out on a daring quest to protect her baby half-sister Sarita from the wicked Steward and his son, who want to claim Sarita's inheritance at any cost. With courage and magic, Raven faces great challenges to keep her family safe.

Quick Assessment

This is a Level 4-5 book with moderate content intensity. Content themes include fantasy violence, physical danger. Written for readers ages 9-12.

Why we rated Raven 9MP

Raven is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 240 pages (approximately 69,691 words). Strong independent readers around grade 5.2 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Raven works for readers up to grade 6.2.

Read aloud, Raven runs about 7.8 hours — long enough to span several bedtime sessions.

We rate Raven as 9MP ("Moderate — Physical") because the content sits in the "Moderate" range — moderate conflict that may involve loss, scary scenes, or interpersonal stakes. The strongest signals come from physical peril — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.

Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Fantasy Violence, Physical Danger.

Thematically, Raven explores fantasy world-building, family, adventure, and magic — 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, family, adventure.

Maybe not for

  • ! Readers who get easily upset by emotional or moderately dark scenes — the conflict here is real, not just background flavor.
  • ! Children who are sensitive to violence, even when handled at age-appropriate levels.
  • ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.

For Parents

Content Intensity

9MP — Moderate — Physical
Emotional
Clear
Physical
Moderate
Social
Clear
Thematic
Clear

Real stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.

Content Flags

Fantasy Violence Physical Danger
Data confidence: standard

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

Reading Insights

Hook Factor

2/10

A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.

Discussion Potential

3/10

A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

Vocabulary Level
4
Emotional Weight
6
Narrative Pace
3
Theme Richness
6
World Scope
1
Data Confidence
6

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Details

Book Length

240 pages
69,691 words
7h 45m read-aloud
ISBN
9780618702244
Pages
240
Publisher
Clarion Books
Published
June 11, 2007
Type
Fiction
Word Count
69,691
Read-Aloud
~7h 45m
Text Density
Dense

Subjects

Science Fiction, Fantasy, & MagicScience Fiction, Fantasy, MagicFamilyParentsYoung Adult FictionBirdsFantasyMagicGood and EvilFantasy Fiction