Wild things
Bruce Handy
Wild things
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
The Joy of Reading Children’s Literature as an Adult
by Bruce Handy
The text is written at a 7th 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 the very first American children’s book wasn’t fun at all? From strict lessons to wild rumpuses, the story of kids’ books is full of surprising secrets that show how stories have changed — and why they still matter today.
Themes
Quick Assessment
Wild Things offers a thoughtful and engaging exploration of classic American children’s literature, revealing the history and personal stories behind beloved books. Suitable for ages 9-12, it encourages readers to appreciate the evolution of children’s stories and their cultural significance. Parents should note that the book includes literary criticism and historical context rather than a traditional narrative.
Why we rated Wild things 12LT
Wild things is written at a Level 7 reading level across 307 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 8.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Wild things works for readers up to grade 9.0.
We rate Wild things as 12LT ("Light — Thematic") 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, Wild things explores books and reading, history and criticism, and children's literature — 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 books and reading, history and criticism, children's literature.
- ✓ Curious kids who prefer real-world topics over made-up stories.
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
12LT — Light — ThematicNo conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Safe for sensitive readers.
Was our "Gentle" 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
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Wild children
Elaine Landau
Wild children
Elaine Landau
Wild Things! Acts of Mischief in Children's Literature
Betsy Bird
Wild Things! Acts of Mischief in Children's Literature
Betsy Bird
Wild animals
DK Publishing
Wild animals
DK Publishing
Wild baby animals
Karen Wallace
Wild baby animals
Karen Wallace
Wild Baby Animals
Traer Scott
Wild Baby Animals
Traer Scott
Kids' Wildlife Book
Warner Shedd
Kids' Wildlife Book
Warner Shedd
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781451609950
- Pages
- 307
- Publisher
- Simon and Schuster
- Published
- 2017
- Type
- Nonfiction