Red Moon and Black Mountain
Joy Chant
Red Moon and Black Mountain
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
The End of the House of Kendreth
by Joy Chant
The text is written at a 6th 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
What if a dark shadow threatened an entire magical land just as a mysterious Red Moon rose? In the Starlit Land of Kedrinh, a powerful sorcerer from Black Mountain dares to challenge the ancient Starborn for control. Three young heroes must uncover their destinies and face the darkness, but can they save Vandarei before it’s too late?
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fantasy novel follows three young protagonists who must unite to combat a dark sorcerer threatening their magical world. Filled with themes of prophecy, courage, and adventure, the story is appropriate for readers aged 9-12 and contains fantasy violence typical of the genre. Parents should note the presence of magical battles and epic conflict, which are handled in a way suitable for this age group.
Why we rated Red Moon and Black Mountain 11LP
Red Moon and Black Mountain is written at a Level 6 reading level across 255 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Red Moon and Black Mountain works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Red Moon and Black Mountain as 11LP ("Light — Physical") 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, Red Moon and Black Mountain explores fantasy world-building, adventure, and coming of age — 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, adventure, coming of age.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11LP — Light — PhysicalLight 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
- 9780553233117
- Pages
- 255
- Publisher
- Bantam Books
- Published
- June 1983
- Type
- Fiction