The Spiderwick Chronicles

Holly Black

Cover of The Spiderwick Chronicles

The Spiderwick Chronicles

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

Movie Tie-in Edition

by Holly Black

Illustrated by Tony DiTerlizzi

Reading Level 4-5 9LP Ages 9-12 Balanced Read

The text is written at a 4th 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

Jared and his siblings race through the shadowy woods, clutching a mysterious old book that seems to whisper secrets. Suddenly, something moves just beyond the trees—something not quite human. What will happen when they come face to face with the creatures lurking in the dark?

Themes

AdventureFamilyFantasy World-BuildingFairy Tales & Folklore

Quick Assessment

The Spiderwick Chronicles follows siblings Jared, Simon, and Mallory as they discover a magical world hidden around them, sparked by an ancient book. This middle-grade fantasy blends adventure with folklore and family dynamics, suitable for readers ages 9-12. The story includes mild peril and fantasy creatures but remains appropriate for its target audience.

For Parents

Content Intensity

9LP — Light — Physical
Emotional
Light
Physical
Light ←
Social
Clear
Thematic
Light

Light conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.

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

2/10

A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

Vocabulary Level
4
Emotional Weight
4
Theme Richness
4
World Scope
3
Data Confidence
7

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Details

Book Length

128 pages
ISBN
9781416950189
Pages
128
Publisher
Simon and Schuster
Published
January 1, 2008
Type
Fiction

Genres

Juvenile Fiction

Subjects

Action & AdventureFairy Tales & FolkloreFamilySiblingsLegends, Myths, & FablesScience Fiction, Fantasy, & MagicLegends, Myths, FablesBrothers and SistersGoblinsSingle-parent FamiliesFairiesChild and Youth FictionKinderbuch Ab 8 JahrenFantasyMädchenJungenGeschwisterBruderSchwesterBrüderElternScheidungMutterGroßtanteUmzugAltes HausGebäudeUnheimlichSpookySpukigNeuenglandMerkwürdige DingeSeltsamFantastische WesenKoboldeUnsichtbarMagischer SteinHandbuchGreifBefreienGefangen

Places

Neuengland