The wild things
Dave Eggers
The wild things
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
a novel
by Dave Eggers
The text is written at a 6th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is gentle with no concerning themes.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
Driven by a series of internal and external pressures, seven year-old Max leaves home, jumps in a boat and sails across the oceans to a strange island where the giant beasts reign - the 'wild things' from Maurice Sendak's visionary classic.
Quick Assessment
This is a Level 6 book. No notable content concerns flagged. Written for readers ages 9-12.
Why we rated The wild things Level 0
The wild things is written at a Level 6 reading level across 281 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The wild things works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate The wild things as Unrated because the content sits in the "Unrated" range — no conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the unrated intensity score.
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.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
Level 0 — UnratedThis book has not yet been rated for content intensity.
Was our "Unrated" 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
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780241144220
- Pages
- 281
- Publisher
- Penguin UK
- Published
- 2009
- Type
- Fiction