The Book Of Names
D. Barkley Briggs
The Book Of Names
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by D. Barkley Briggs
The text is written at a 4th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for older middle graders (ages 11+), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.
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About This Book
During Thanksgiving break, Hadyn and his brother Ewan stumble upon a magical Viking runestone that transports them to the ancient realm of Karac Tor. As names vanish mysteriously and darkness spreads under the sorceress Nemesia's reign, the brothers must summon bravery to survive and find a way back home. Facing enchanting dangers and unexpected challenges, their journey becomes a test of courage and family bonds.
Quick Assessment
This is a Level 4-5 book with mild content intensity. Content themes include mild peril, fear & anxiety, loss & grief. Written for readers ages 11+.
Why we rated The Book Of Names 9LE
The Book Of Names is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 388 pages (approximately 92,777 words). Strong independent readers around grade 5.7 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The Book Of Names works for readers up to grade 6.7.
Read aloud, The Book Of Names runs about 10.3 hours — long enough to span several bedtime sessions.
We rate The Book Of Names 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: Mild Peril, Fear & Anxiety, Loss & Grief.
Thematically, The Book Of Names explores adventure, fantasy world-building, family, and coming of age — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 11+ range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Readers who like a steady plot with enough momentum to keep pages turning.
- ✓ Readers ready to talk through themes after they finish — there's enough substance for a meaningful conversation.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about adventure, fantasy world-building, family.
- ✓ Readers who fall hard for one book and want a long series to live in — there are 2 more books in the Legends of Karac Tor series.
Maybe not for
- ! Children currently coping with grief — the themes may hit close to home.
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
5/10Engaging read with solid pacing and interesting themes.
Discussion Potential
4/10Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780899578637
- Pages
- 388
- Publisher
- Living Ink Books
- Published
- 2011
- Type
- Fiction
- Word Count
- 92,777
- Read-Aloud
- ~10h 19m
- Text Density
- Standard