The taming
Atticus Krum
The taming
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Atticus Krum
Illustrated by Donaera, Patrizia, illustrator
The text is written at a 6th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content has moderate intensity with some emotionally heavy themes.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
The crisp rustle of leaves whispers secrets as a shiny object glints just beyond the Hollow. Thutter the shrew and his friends step into a world where ancient rules guard powerful magic, and every shadow hides a challenge. With danger lurking and trust breaking, can a tiny adventurer find hope and courage before it's too late?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fantasy follows Thutter, a young shrew, and his friends as they embark on a risky quest beyond their safe home, defying ancient laws to uncover powerful magic. Themes of friendship, trust, betrayal, and bravery are explored in a richly imagined world with some darker moments including the threat of violence. Suitable for ages 9-12, the story balances adventure with emotional depth appropriate for middle-grade readers.
Why we rated The taming 11ME
The taming is written at a Level 6 reading level across 227 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The taming works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate The taming as 11ME ("Moderate — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Moderate" range — moderate conflict that may involve loss, scary scenes, or interpersonal stakes. The strongest signals come from emotional weight, thematic difficulty — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the moderate intensity score.
Thematically, The taming explores fantasy, adventure, and friendship — 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, adventure, friendship.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers who get easily upset by emotional or moderately dark scenes — the conflict here is real, not just background flavor.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11ME — Moderate — EmotionalReal stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.
Was our "Moderate" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
2/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
The tamer
Nicolas Fokker
The tamer
Nicolas Fokker
A tangle of traitors
F. E. Higgins
A tangle of traitors
F. E. Higgins
The untamed scoundrel
Adrianne Ambrose
The untamed scoundrel
Adrianne Ambrose
The tusked-terror
Alex Cliff
The tusked-terror
Alex Cliff
Tangle and the Firesticks
Benedict Blathwayt
Tangle and the Firesticks
Benedict Blathwayt
The taming of the tights
Louise Rennison
The taming of the tights
Louise Rennison
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780988534919
- Pages
- 227
- Publisher
- Huntly House
- Published
- 2014
- Type
- Fiction