The silver moon elm
MaryJanice Davidson
The silver moon elm
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
A Jennifer Scales Novel
by MaryJanice Davidson
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
The sharp crackle of dragon wings cuts through the cool night air, mingling with the faint rustle of spider silk. Jennifer’s scaly skin tingles as she stands on the edge of Crescent Valley, where dragons and beasts live side by side—if only peace could last. But with a fierce elder dragon arriving, Jennifer faces a choice that could change everything.
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade science fiction novel follows Jennifer Scales, a half-weredragon and half-beaststalker, as she navigates her unique identity in a world where dragons and other creatures struggle to coexist. The story explores themes of family, trust, and belonging, with fantasy elements including dragons and metamorphosis. Recommended for ages 9-12, it contains mild fantasy peril appropriate for this audience.
Why we rated The silver moon elm 11LE
The silver moon elm is written at a Level 6 reading level across 278 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The silver moon elm works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate The silver moon elm 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 silver moon elm explores science & nature, fantasy world-building, coming of age, family, and adventure — 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 science & nature, fantasy world-building, 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
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
- 9780441016013
- Pages
- 278
- Publisher
- National Geographic Books
- Published
- 2008
- Type
- Fiction