What reading level is Smart about sharks?

Smart about sharks by Owen Davey is at a Level 8-9 reading level (Lexile 1120L). Recommended for Middle Grades readers (Ages 9-12).

What age is Smart about sharks appropriate for?

Smart about sharks is recommended for Ages 9-12. HootRating: 12C (Clear).

What genre is Smart about sharks?

Smart about sharks is nonfiction — Juvenile Nonfiction.

Does Smart about sharks have any content warnings?

Smart about sharks has a HootRating of 12C (Clear). 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 Smart about sharks?

Smart about sharks by Owen Davey is 37 pages.

Reviewed by HootRated editorial · Last updated July 16, 2026

Smart about sharks

Owen Davey

Smart about sharks

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Owen Davey

Reading Level 8-9 12C Ages 9-12 Sweet Spot

The text is written at a 8th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is gentle with no concerning themes.

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About This Book

Have you ever wondered what makes sharks so fierce—and why they're not always as scary as they seem? Dive into the deep sea where some sharks might surprise you with their strange habits and surprising tricks. What secrets about these powerful creatures will you uncover?

Themes

Science & Nature AdventureJuvenile Literature

Quick Assessment

Smart About Sharks offers an engaging and informative look at various shark species, blending detailed illustrations with accessible text appropriate for children ages 9 to 12. The book aims to dispel common misconceptions by presenting facts about both dangerous and harmless sharks in an entertaining way. It’s a nonfiction title that encourages curiosity about marine life without intense content.

Why we rated Smart about sharks 12C

Smart about sharks is written at a Level 8-9 reading level with a Lexile measure of 1120L across 37 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 9.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Smart about sharks works for readers up to grade 10.5.

We rate Smart about sharks as 12C ("Clear") because the content sits in the "Gentle" range — no conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Across our four dimensions (emotional, physical, social, thematic) the book reads as evenly gentle; no single dimension stands out as a concern.

No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the gentle intensity score.

Thematically, Smart about sharks explores science & nature, adventure, and juvenile literature — 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 science & nature, adventure, juvenile literature.
✓ Curious kids who prefer real-world topics over made-up stories.

Maybe not for

! Readers whose emotional readiness lags behind their decoding skills — this book's intensity outruns its reading level, a classic "gifted kid" mismatch.
! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.