Song of the gargoyle
Zilpha Keatley Snyder
Song of the gargoyle
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Zilpha Keatley Snyder
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 your father, the king’s jester, disappeared without a trace? Thirteen-year-old Tymmon must escape into the deep, dark forest where he finds a mysterious creature by his side. But can he outwit shadowy enemies and save his father before it’s too late?
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade adventure follows Tymmon, a young court jester whose father is kidnapped by unknown men. Set in a fantastical kingdom, the story explores themes of bravery, loyalty, and friendship as Tymmon embarks on a daring rescue mission. Suitable for ages 9-12, it contains mild peril and fantasy elements typical for this age group.
Why we rated Song of the gargoyle 11LE
Song of the gargoyle is written at a Level 6 reading level across 232 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Song of the gargoyle works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Song of the gargoyle as 11LE ("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.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the mild intensity score.
Thematically, Song of the gargoyle explores adventure, fantasy world-building, 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, fantasy world-building, friendship.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11LE — Light — EmotionalLight 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
- 9780385303019
- Pages
- 232
- Publisher
- Delacorte Books for Young Readers
- Published
- 1994
- Type
- Fiction