Reviewed by HootRated editorial · Last updated
Simon Thorn and the wolf's den
Aimée Carter
Simon Thorn and the wolf's den
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Aimée Carter
The text is written at a 4th 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 sharp rustle of leaves underfoot mixes with the distant roar of the city as Simon steps into the shadowy heart of Central Park Zoo. Strange creatures whisper secrets, and the air tingles with magic he never knew existed. Can Simon unlock the power within before it's too late?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fantasy adventure follows twelve-year-old Simon Thorn, who discovers he belongs to a secret race of animal shapeshifters called Animalgams. When his mother is kidnapped, Simon must navigate a hidden world within Central Park Zoo and confront challenges involving bravery, loyalty, and self-discovery. Suitable for readers ages 9-12, the story includes themes of kidnapping and mild peril but maintains an age-appropriate tone.
Why we rated Simon Thorn and the wolf's den 9LE
Simon Thorn and the wolf's den is written at a Level 4-5 reading level with a Lexile measure of 750L across 307 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Simon Thorn and the wolf's den works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Simon Thorn and the wolf's den as 9LE ("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.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Kidnapping, Mild Peril.
Thematically, Simon Thorn and the wolf's den explores adventure, animals, friendship, 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 adventure, animals, friendship.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9LE — Light — EmotionalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Content Flags
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
- 9781619637054
- Pages
- 307
- Publisher
- Bloomsbury Publishing USA
- Published
- 2016
- Type
- Fiction
- Lexile
- 750L