Wild Robert
Diana Wynne Jones
Wild Robert
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Diana Wynne Jones
Illustrated by Emma Chichester Clark
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
The crunch of gravel underfoot and the whisper of wind through the ancient trees set the stage at Castlemaine. Heather hides among the mossy stones of the mound, hoping to escape the noisy tourists flooding her home. Suddenly, a mysterious voice answers her wish for Wild Robert to appear — but what will happen next stirs both wonder and surprise.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fantasy adventure follows Heather as she seeks refuge from the bustling tourists at Castlemaine, where her parents work as curators. When she calls out to the legendary Wild Robert, her wish sets off an unexpected magical encounter. Suitable for ages 9-12, the story balances light suspense with imaginative fantasy elements, making it a captivating yet age-appropriate read.
Why we rated Wild Robert 9LE
Wild Robert is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 120 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Wild Robert works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Wild Robert 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, Wild Robert explores adventure, fantasy, friendship, and family — 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 adventure, fantasy, friendship.
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
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780745114712
- Pages
- 120
- Publisher
- Galaxy Children's Large Print
- Published
- May 1992
- Type
- Fiction