The secret prince
D. Anne Love
The secret prince
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by D. Anne Love
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
On the brink of his twelfth birthday, Thorn uncovers a hidden truth about his royal heritage that changes everything. With magic and mystery swirling around him, he sets off on a daring quest to claim his destiny as the lost prince of Kelhadden. Along the way, he faces challenges that test his courage and heart.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This is a Level 5-6 book with mild content intensity. Content themes include mild peril, fantasy violence. Written for readers ages 9-12.
Why we rated The secret prince 10LP
The secret prince is written at a Level 5-6 reading level across 226 pages (approximately 49,512 words). Strong independent readers around grade 6.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The secret prince works for readers up to grade 7.5.
Read aloud, The secret prince runs about 5.5 hours — long enough to span several bedtime sessions.
We rate The secret prince 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, Fantasy Violence.
Thematically, The secret prince explores adventure, magic, fantasy world-building, 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.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about adventure, magic, fantasy world-building.
Maybe not for
- ! Children who are sensitive to violence, even when handled at age-appropriate levels.
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
3/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0689844263
- Pages
- 226
- Publisher
- Margaret K. McElderry Books
- Published
- 2005
- Type
- Fiction
- Word Count
- 49,512
- Read-Aloud
- ~5h 30m
- Text Density
- Standard