The well of Saint Clare.
Anatole France
The well of Saint Clare.
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Anatole France
The text is written at a 7th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is gentle with no concerning themes.
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About This Book
Have you ever wondered what secrets lie beneath the surface of an ancient well? Imagine stepping back to a time when mysteries were hidden in plain sight, waiting for someone brave enough to uncover them. What will you discover at the well of Saint Clare?
Themes
Quick Assessment
The Well of Saint Clare by Anatole France is a classic short story suitable for middle-grade readers. This edition preserves the original text and artwork, making it a great way to introduce younger readers to early 20th-century literature. The story contains no intense content, making it appropriate for ages 9 to 12.
Why we rated The well of Saint Clare. 12C
The well of Saint Clare. is written at a Level 7 reading level across 302 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 8.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The well of Saint Clare. works for readers up to grade 9.0.
We rate The well of Saint Clare. as 12C ("Clear") because the content sits in the "Gentle" range — no conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Across our four dimensions (emotional, physical, social, thematic) the book reads as evenly gentle; no single dimension stands out as a concern.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the gentle intensity score.
Thematically, The well of Saint Clare. weaves together fiction and short stories.
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 fiction, short stories.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers whose emotional readiness lags behind their decoding skills — this book's intensity outruns its reading level, a classic "gifted kid" mismatch.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
12C — ClearNo conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Safe for sensitive readers.
Was our "Gentle" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0836935055
- Pages
- 302
- Publisher
- Books for Libraries Press
- Published
- 1970
- Type
- Fiction