The hunter's moon.
Nathaniel Benchley
The hunter's moon.
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Nathaniel Benchley
The text is written at a 6th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is intense and may include graphic or distressing scenes.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
Here's a secret: when the Hunter's Moon rises, it doesn't just light up the night—it stirs strange feelings and strange actions in everyone around. In the quiet town of Pembroke, something dark and scary happens under that eerie glow. But that's only the beginning.
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fiction novel explores a serious and mature theme—a brutal crime in a small New England town—set against the atmospheric backdrop of the Hunter's Moon. While targeted at readers aged 9-12, parents should be aware that the story involves a violent and sensitive subject matter. The narrative delves into how a community reacts to tragedy, making it suitable for mature middle-grade readers who can handle intense themes.
Why we rated The hunter's moon. 11IE
The hunter's moon. is written at a Level 6 reading level across 244 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The hunter's moon. works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate The hunter's moon. as 11IE ("Intense — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Intense" range — intense conflict including peril, frightening scenes, or emotionally heavy themes. The strongest signals come from emotional weight, physical peril, thematic difficulty — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Violence, Mature Themes.
Thematically, The hunter's moon. explores mystery, 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 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, family, coming of age.
Maybe not for
- ! Sensitive readers who get overwhelmed by intense conflict or scary scenes.
- ! Children younger than 9-12 — the content intensity is above what most younger kids can process comfortably.
- ! Children who are sensitive to violence, even when handled at age-appropriate levels.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11IE — Intense — EmotionalHeavy themes explored in depth. War, death, abuse addressed directly.
Content Flags
Was our "Intense" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
2/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Moonlight
Rachel Hawthorne
Moonlight
Rachel Hawthorne
The hunter's moon
O. R. Melling
The hunter's moon
O. R. Melling
Wildcat moon
Babs Horton
Wildcat moon
Babs Horton
The mystery of the moonlight murder
Roderick Benns
The mystery of the moonlight murder
Roderick Benns
Shadow of the moon
Rachel Hawthorne
Shadow of the moon
Rachel Hawthorne
The Moon by Night
Madeleine L'Engle
The Moon by Night
Madeleine L'Engle
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0316088846
- Pages
- 244
- Publisher
- Little, Brown
- Published
- 1972
- Type
- Fiction