Troll with No Heart in His Body
Lise Lunge-Larsen
Troll with No Heart in His Body
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Lise Lunge-Larsen
Illustrated by Betsy Bowen
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 gentle with no concerning themes.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
Did you know trolls aren't always the scary creatures you hear about? Deep in Norway’s forests and mountains, trolls have secrets — some are tricky, some are kind, and some are downright surprising. But that’s only the beginning.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This book is a charming collection of Norwegian folktales centered around trolls, blending folklore, myths, and legends that introduce readers to European cultural heritage. Suitable for ages 9-12, it offers imaginative stories without intense conflict, making it a great introduction to fairy tales and traditional narratives.
Why we rated Troll with No Heart in His Body 9C
Troll with No Heart in His Body is written at a Level 4-5 reading level. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Troll with No Heart in His Body works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Troll with No Heart in His Body as 9C ("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, Troll with No Heart in His Body explores trolls, fairy tales & folklore - european, legends, myths, & fables - norse, adventure, and cultural heritage — 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 trolls, fairy tales & folklore - european, legends, myths, & fables - norse.
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
9C — ClearNo conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Safe for sensitive readers.
Was our "Gentle" 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
Trolls
Gail B. Stewart
Trolls
Gail B. Stewart
Trolls
Scholastic
Trolls
Scholastic
Trolls
Dave Scheidt
Trolls
Dave Scheidt
Troll trouble
Tony DiTerlizzi
Troll trouble
Tony DiTerlizzi
The trolls
Polly Horvath
The trolls
Polly Horvath
The Troll Queen
John Vornholt
The Troll Queen
John Vornholt
Details
- ISBN
- 9781417602872
- Publisher
- Turtleback Books
- Published
- August 2003
- Type
- Fiction