THE MOON OF GOMRATH (del Ray Bk)
Alan Garner
THE MOON OF GOMRATH (del Ray Bk)
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Alan Garner
The text is written at a 4th 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
What if a magical bracelet held the key to saving an ancient race of elves? Susan faces a tough choice: lend her precious charm to help them or keep it safe as warned by the wizard Cadellin. But without its protection, danger looms closer than ever—can she protect herself and the magic she holds?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This fantasy novel follows Susan as she navigates the perilous consequences of lending a magical bracelet to the elves, despite warnings from a wise wizard. Suitable for teens, the story explores themes of trust, bravery, and the mystical world of magic. Parents should note the presence of fantasy peril and suspenseful situations typical for middle to high school readers.
Why we rated THE MOON OF GOMRATH (del Ray Bk) 9MP
THE MOON OF GOMRATH (del Ray Bk) is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 142 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, THE MOON OF GOMRATH (del Ray Bk) works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate THE MOON OF GOMRATH (del Ray Bk) as 9MP ("Moderate — Physical") because the content sits in the "Moderate" range — moderate conflict that may involve loss, scary scenes, or interpersonal stakes. The strongest signals come from physical peril, thematic difficulty — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the moderate intensity score.
Thematically, THE MOON OF GOMRATH (del Ray Bk) explores fantasy, magic, adventure, and coming of age — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 13+ range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about fantasy, magic, adventure.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers who get easily upset by emotional or moderately dark scenes — the conflict here is real, not just background flavor.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9MP — Moderate — PhysicalReal stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.
Was our "Moderate" 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
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780345290410
- Pages
- 142
- Publisher
- Ballantine Books
- Published
- August 12, 1981
- Type
- Fiction