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Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde and Other Famous Tales

Robert Louis Stevenson

Cover of Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde and Other Famous Tales

Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde and Other Famous Tales

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Robert Louis Stevenson

Reading Level 7 12ME Ages 9-12 Balanced Read

The text is written at a 7th 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

What if you could change into someone else just by taking a mysterious potion? Imagine turning into a shadowy figure who does things you never thought you’d do. But what happens when the scary side starts taking over, and you can't turn back?

Quick Assessment

This classic tale explores themes of dual identity and the struggle between good and evil through the story of Dr. Jekyll and his alter ego, Mr. Hyde. Suitable for middle-grade readers, the story contains some dark and suspenseful moments, including transformation and moral conflict. Parents should note the presence of mild peril and themes of inner struggle.

Why we rated Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde and Other Famous Tales 12ME

Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde and Other Famous Tales is written at a Level 7 reading level across 303 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 8.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde and Other Famous Tales works for readers up to grade 9.0.

We rate Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde and Other Famous Tales as 12ME ("Moderate — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Moderate" range — moderate conflict that may involve loss, scary scenes, or interpersonal stakes. The strongest signals come from emotional weight, physical peril — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.

Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Fear & Anxiety, Mild Peril, Identity & Self-Discovery.

Thematically, Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde and Other Famous Tales explores mystery, fantasy world-building, identity & self-discovery, and good vs. evil — 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 mystery, fantasy world-building, identity & self-discovery.

Maybe not for

  • ! Readers who get easily upset by emotional or moderately dark scenes — the conflict here is real, not just background flavor.
  • ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.

For Parents

Content Intensity

12ME — Moderate — Emotional
Emotional
Moderate
Physical
Moderate
Social
Clear
Thematic
Clear

Real stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.

Content Flags

Fear & Anxiety Mild Peril Identity & Self-Discovery
Data confidence: standard

Was our "Moderate" content intensity rating accurate for this book?

Reading Insights

Hook Factor

2/10

A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.

Discussion Potential

3/10

A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

Vocabulary Level
6
Emotional Weight
6
Theme Richness
7
World Scope
1
Data Confidence
7

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Details

Book Length

303 pages
ISBN
9780396044901
Pages
303
Publisher
Dodd Mead
Published
December 1979
Type
Fiction

Genres