The silent boy

Lois Lowry

Cover of The silent boy

The silent boy

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Lois Lowry

Reading Level 5-6 Mild (Lvl 2) Ages 9-12 Balanced Read

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

Katy dreams of following in her doctor's footsteps and has a special way of understanding others. When she befriends Jacob, a reserved boy at the stable, she senses there's a hidden story behind his silence that, once uncovered, might help him find healing and hope. Together, they embark on a journey of trust and discovery.

Quick Assessment

This is a Level 5-6 book with mild content intensity. Content themes include emotional: identity & self-discovery, emotional: loneliness. Written for readers ages 9-12.

For Parents

Content Intensity

Level 2 — Mild
Gentle Mild Moderate Intense Very Intense

Light conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.

Content Flags

Emotional: Identity & Self-Discovery Emotional: Loneliness
Data confidence: standard

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

Reading Insights

Hook Factor

2/10

A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.

Discussion Potential

3/10

A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

Vocabulary Level
4
Emotional Weight
4
Narrative Pace
5
Theme Richness
6
World Scope
1
Data Confidence
8

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Details

Book Length

178 pages
36,479 words
4h 3m read-aloud
ISBN
0618282319
Pages
178
Publisher
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Published
2003
Type
Fiction
Word Count
36,479
Read-Aloud
~4h 3m
Text Density
Standard

Genres

Subjects

People With Mental DisabilitiesBabiesBrothers and SistersUnmarried MothersInfantsPeople With DisabilitiesFriendshipSiblings