The wicked one
Mollie Hunter
The wicked one
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
A Story of Suspense
by Mollie Hunter
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
What if a mysterious creature from another world kept chasing you and your family? Imagine leaving everything you know in the Scottish Highlands to find safety across the ocean in America. But can Colin escape the Grollican’s relentless pursuit, or is danger closer than he thinks?
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fiction follows Colin Grant and his family as they flee the Scottish Highlands to escape a supernatural threat called the Grollican. Suitable for ages 9-12, the story blends folklore with themes of family and courage. Parents should note the presence of a haunting creature and the tension arising from the family’s flight from danger.
Why we rated The wicked one 9LP
The wicked one is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 136 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The wicked one works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate The wicked one as 9LP ("Light — Physical") 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.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Mild Peril, Fantasy Violence.
Thematically, The wicked one explores scotland, family, adventure, and fantasy — 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 scotland, family, adventure.
Maybe not for
- ! Children who are sensitive to violence, even when handled at age-appropriate levels.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9LP — Light — PhysicalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Content Flags
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
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0060226471
- Pages
- 136
- Publisher
- Harpercollins Childrens Books
- Published
- 1977
- Type
- Fiction