The Thief Lord

Cornelia Funke

Cover of The Thief Lord

The Thief Lord

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Cornelia Funke

Reading Level 4-5 Moderate (Lvl 3) Ages 9-12 Matched

The text is written at a 4th 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.

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About This Book

After escaping their harsh guardians, two brothers find refuge in the enchanting city of Venice. There, they encounter a secretive boy known as the Thief Lord, who leads them into a world of adventure, friendship, and mystery. Together, they navigate the challenges of life on the run while uncovering hidden secrets.

Themes

Quick Assessment

This is a Level 4-5 book with moderate content intensity. Content themes include orphanhood, running away, mild peril. Written for readers ages 9-12.

For Parents

Content Intensity

Level 3 — Moderate
Gentle Mild Moderate Intense Very Intense

Real stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.

Content Flags

Orphanhood Running Away Mild Peril
Data confidence: standard

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

Reading Insights

Hook Factor

4/10

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
6
Narrative Pace
5
Theme Richness
8
World Scope
9
Data Confidence
6

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Details

Book Length

349 pages
85,591 words
9h 31m read-aloud
ISBN
0439404371
Pages
349
Publisher
Guilford Press
Published
2002
Type
Fiction
Word Count
85,591
Read-Aloud
~9h 31m
Text Density
Standard

Subjects

RunawaysRobbers and OutlawsBrothersDetectivesOrphansStreet ChildrenVeniceItalyDetective and Mystery StoriesPrivate InvestigatorsOutlawsThievesRunaway ChildrenMystery FictionChildren's Stories, GermanBrothers and SistersBrigands and RobbersAdventure and AdventurersHermanosNovela JuvenilDetectives PrivadosPrófugosLadrones Y ProscritosFicción JuvenilNovela PolicíacaMystery and Detective StoriesNiños PrófugosHuérfanosSpanish Language MaterialsEnfants FugueursRomans, NouvellesHors-la-loiLadronesVeneciaSpanish LanguageSiblingsFamilyChildrenDetectiveSpanish: Grades 3-4Mysteries, Espionage, & Detective StoriesShort StoriesOrphelinsSans-abriFugueRomans, Nouvelles, Etc. Pour La JeunesseVoleurs

Places

ItalyVeniceVenice (Italy)Venecia (Italia)