The moons of Madeleine
Joan Clark
The moons of Madeleine
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Joan Clark
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 mild with minimal sensitive material.
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About This Book
Here’s a secret: Madeleine’s trip to see her cousin Selena in Calgary isn’t just a simple visit. Strange things start happening the moment she arrives, and the moon seems to hold a mysterious power. But that’s only the beginning.
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fantasy novel follows Madeleine as she visits her cousin Selena in Calgary, where unexpected and mysterious events unfold. The story explores themes of friendship and self-discovery, suitable for readers ages 9 to 12. There is mild fantasy-based suspense but no intense content.
Why we rated The moons of Madeleine 11LE
The moons of Madeleine is written at a Level 6 reading level across 221 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The moons of Madeleine works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate The moons of Madeleine as 11LE ("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.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the mild intensity score.
Thematically, The moons of Madeleine explores fantasy world-building, friendship, coming of age, and family — 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 fantasy world-building, friendship, coming of age.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11LE — Light — EmotionalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A 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
- 0140321829
- Pages
- 221
- Publisher
- Markham, Ont. : Puffin Books
- Published
- 1988
- Type
- Fiction