The House with a Clock in its Walls (Lewis Barnavelt)

John Bellairs

Cover of The House with a Clock in its Walls (Lewis Barnavelt)

The House with a Clock in its Walls (Lewis Barnavelt)

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by John Bellairs

Reading Level 2 7LP Ages 5-8 Heads Up

The text is written at a 2nd grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for younger children (ages 5–8), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.

We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.

About This Book

The creak of old wooden floors echoes through the shadowy mansion, mixed with the faint tick-tock of a secret clock hidden inside the walls. Imagine moving in with an uncle who’s a real magician, where every corner whispers mystery and magic. But what if that ticking clock is counting down to something dangerous?

Quick Assessment

This early reader fantasy follows a young boy who moves in with his magician uncle in a mysterious mansion containing a hidden clock counting down to a potential disaster. Suitable for ages 5-8, it introduces themes of magic and suspense in an age-appropriate way without graphic content. Parents should note the story contains mild peril and magical elements that create an engaging but gentle sense of mystery.

For Parents

Content Intensity

7LP — Light — Physical
Emotional
Light
Physical
Light
Social
Clear
Thematic
Light

Light conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.

Data confidence: standard

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

Reading Insights

Hook Factor

3/10

A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.

Discussion Potential

2/10

A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

Vocabulary Level
2
Emotional Weight
4
Theme Richness
4
World Scope
5
Data Confidence
7

Similar Books

Based on content and theme analysis

See all books like this →

Details

Book Length

1 pages
ISBN
9780803738232
Pages
1
Publisher
Dial
Published
June 27, 1984
Type
Fiction

Genres

Subjects

MagicMagiciansClocksHalloweenTombsEnd TimeWitchesClocks and WatchesSupernaturalMystery and Detective StoriesBarnaveltLewisPottingerRose RitaTime TravelMichiganWitchcraft

People

Isaac IzardLewis BarnaveltJonathan BarnaveltFlorence ZimmermannSelenna IzardTarby Corrigan

Places

New ZebedeeMichigan