The Book of Dust: La Belle Sauvage (Book of Dust, Volume 1)

Philip Pullman

Cover of The Book of Dust: La Belle Sauvage (Book of Dust, Volume 1)

The Book of Dust: La Belle Sauvage (Book of Dust, Volume 1)

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

La Belle Sauvage

by Philip Pullman

Book of Dust

Reading Level 5-6 Moderate (Lvl 3) Ages 13+ Matched

The text is written at a 5th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for teens (ages 13+), and the content has moderate intensity with some emotionally heavy themes.

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About This Book

Malcolm Polstead enjoys his peaceful days in Oxford, exploring with his daemon, Asta, and paddling their canoe, La Belle Sauvage. When he becomes unexpectedly connected to a mysterious infant named Lyra, Malcolm embarks on a perilous adventure that will transform both their lives. Together, they face challenges that test courage and friendship in a world on the brink of change.

Quick Assessment

This is a Level 5-6 book with moderate content intensity. Content themes include mild peril, fantasy violence, physical danger. Written for readers ages 13+.

For Parents

Content Intensity

Level 3 — Moderate
Gentle Mild Moderate Intense Very Intense

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

Content Flags

Mild Peril Fantasy Violence Physical Danger
Data confidence: standard

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

Reading Insights

Hook Factor

4/10

A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.

Discussion Potential

4/10

Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

Vocabulary Level
4
Emotional Weight
6
Narrative Pace
3
Theme Richness
8
World Scope
5
Data Confidence
8

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Details

Book Length

464 pages
128,877 words
14h 19m read-aloud
ISBN
9780375815300
Pages
464
Publisher
Penguin and David Fickling Books
Published
Oct 19, 2017
Type
Fiction
Word Count
128,877
Read-Aloud
~14h 19m
Text Density
Dense

Genres

Subjects

FantasyLyra BelacquaBelacquaLyraAdventure and AdventurersFantasy FictionFriendshipFamiliars

People

Lyra BelaquaLord AsrielMrs Coulter

Places

OxfordJordan College