Silver Claw
Kilworth, Garry
Silver Claw
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Kilworth, Garry
The text is written at a 6th 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
Whispered through the bustling streets of Vequince is a secret only Udolphus Beck, the clever otter detective, can uncover. As the dazzling Carnvival masks everyone in mystery, a shadowy group plots to take over the city—and they’re not afraid to get their paws dirty. But that’s only the beginning.
Quick Assessment
Silver Claw is a middle-grade mystery featuring Udolphus Beck, an otter detective called to the vibrant city of Vequince to solve a dangerous conspiracy. The story combines adventure and suspense with themes of loyalty and courage, suitable for readers aged 9-12. Parents should note the presence of mild peril and some references to violence within a fantasy setting.
Why we rated Silver Claw 11MP
Silver Claw is written at a Level 6 reading level across 220 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Silver Claw works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Silver Claw as 11MP ("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.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the moderate intensity score.
Thematically, Silver Claw explores mystery, adventure, fantasy world-building, 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 mystery, adventure, fantasy world-building.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers who get easily upset by emotional or moderately dark scenes — the conflict here is real, not just background flavor.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11MP — Moderate — PhysicalReal stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.
Was our "Moderate" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
3/10A 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
- 9781446452301
- Pages
- 220
- Publisher
- Random House
- Published
- 2011
- Type
- Fiction