The wishing bone
David Severn
The wishing bone
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by David Severn
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.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
This isn’t just any bone — it’s a wishing bone that twists your wishes in the most unexpected ways! Three kids find out that getting what you want isn’t always what it seems, and every wish comes with a surprise. What will happen when their wishes start to go wild?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fiction follows three English children who discover a mysterious black bone that grants wishes, but not in the way they expect. Suitable for ages 9-12, it explores themes of desire and consequence with lighthearted fantasy elements. The story contains mild magical mischief but no intense content, making it a charming read for young readers.
Why we rated The wishing bone 9LE
The wishing bone is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 109 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The wishing bone works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate The wishing bone as 9LE ("Light — Emotional") 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.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the mild intensity score.
Thematically, The wishing bone explores children's stories, 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 children's stories, fantasy, adventure.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9LE — Light — EmotionalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
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
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Chicken Bone Wish
Barbara Girion
Chicken Bone Wish
Barbara Girion
Wishbone Adventures Set
Vivian Sathre
Wishbone Adventures Set
Vivian Sathre
The Adventures of Wishbone
Gareth Stevens Publishing
The Adventures of Wishbone
Gareth Stevens Publishing
The wishing tree
Ruth Chew
The wishing tree
Ruth Chew
The wishing tree
Ruth Chew
The wishing tree
Ruth Chew
The wish giver
Bill Brittain
The wish giver
Bill Brittain
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 004823141X
- Pages
- 109
- Publisher
- Allen & Unwin Australia
- Published
- 1977
- Type
- Fiction