Wings
Jane Yolen
Wings
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Jane Yolen
Illustrated by Dennis Nolan
The text is written at a 2nd grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for younger children (ages 5–8), 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
Daedalus and his son are building wings made of feathers and wax, ready to escape the island of Crete. The sun is hot, and the sea stretches endlessly below them. But will their daring flight hold together, or will they fall?
Quick Assessment
This retelling of the Greek myth of Daedalus and Icarus introduces young readers to classic mythology through simple language and vivid illustrations. Suitable for early readers aged 5-8, it touches on themes of creativity, envy, and consequences in a gentle way appropriate for this age group. The story includes mild themes of family conflict and peril but presents them in a way accessible to children.
Why we rated Wings 7LE
Wings is written at a Level 2 reading level across 32 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 3.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Wings works for readers up to grade 4.0.
We rate Wings as 7LE ("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, Wings explores mythology, adventure, and family — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 5-8 range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about mythology, adventure, family.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
7LE — 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
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Daedalus and Icarus.
Penelope Farmer
Daedalus and Icarus.
Penelope Farmer
Wings
Nick Bantock
Wings
Nick Bantock
Wings
Christopher A. Myers
Wings
Christopher A. Myers
Wings
Sneed B. Collard
Wings
Sneed B. Collard
Wild wings
Jane Yolen
Wild wings
Jane Yolen
Icarus, the Boy Who Flew Too High
Katie Daynes
Icarus, the Boy Who Flew Too High
Katie Daynes
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780152015671
- Pages
- 32
- Publisher
- Houghton Mifflin Harcourt P
- Published
- September 1997
- Type
- Fiction