The dragon diary
Dugald Steer
The dragon diary
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Dugald Steer
Dragonology Chronicles
The text is written at a 5th 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
When their mentor is suddenly called away, siblings Daniel and Beatrice must team up to find a legendary diary that holds the secret to healing dragons in danger. Their adventure tests their courage and sibling bond as they explore magical lands and face thrilling challenges.
Quick Assessment
This is a Level 5-6 book with mild content intensity. Content themes include mild peril. Written for readers ages 9-12.
Why we rated The dragon diary 10LP
The dragon diary is written at a Level 5-6 reading level across 274 pages (approximately 53,808 words). Strong independent readers around grade 6.6 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The dragon diary works for readers up to grade 7.6.
Read aloud, The dragon diary runs about 6 hours — long enough to span several bedtime sessions.
We rate The dragon diary as 10LP ("Light — Physical") 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.
Thematically, The dragon diary explores fantasy world-building, family, and adventure — 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.
- ✓ Readers who like a steady plot with enough momentum to keep pages turning.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about fantasy world-building, family, adventure.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers looking for something heavier — this is a gentle, low-stakes story by design.
For Parents
Content Intensity
10LP — Light — PhysicalLight 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
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780763634254
- Pages
- 274
- Publisher
- Candlewick Press
- Published
- 2009
- Type
- Fiction
- Word Count
- 53,808
- Read-Aloud
- ~5h 59m
- Text Density
- Standard