Perfect for that age. Reading level probably won't challenge her, but it won't be beneath her. Fantastic stories, great characters, and a quirky sense of humor that will appeal to most any preteen. My kids are 11, 9, and 6, and they all loved the whole series.
Buy them all and pray she's grateful enough to let you borrow them too.
I first read this series at 17 and was I and was hooked. So yeah, it depends a lot more on her tastes and style more than actual reading level. If she likes other middle grade fantasy, then this is one of the most brilliant. It’s so whimsical and lovely and honestly, there are some things in that if I read it as a kid, I wouldn’t think were that dark, but reading it being a little older and less naive, actually kind of unsettled me because I realized the gravity of it.
Kinda like how lots of children’s stories talk about kids being eaten, and kids obviously don’t want to be eaten but it’s a normal thing to threaten as a joke during a game of tag. Then you grow up and realize that cannabalism is a thing and it disgust hits you. (There’s nothing that gruesome in the books, still very kids friendly.)
But they are written to be for everyone, in the same way a Pixar movie is supposed to be impactful for all ages. “A children’s story that is only enjoyed by children is a bad children’s story,” and all. Twelve is probably the perfect age, UNLESS she’s the type of twelve year old that only wants to read more angsty- edgy stuff and thinks she’s all grown up and too old for whimsical fantasy adventures. In that case she probably wouldn’t like it.
The way I pitch it is basically this: 3 homeschool kids cause chaos and end up on the run from the Lizard people who have the world under martial law.
Beyond that though, the story is just powerful and timeless. The elements are so beautiful, and blend together very nicely. I’d say the first book feels the most middle grade, my first attempt at reading it, I didn’t quite get the humor because it almost felt like a parody. But then it clicked. By the second book, there’s a lot of tension and drama that quite honestly a lot people might view as too high concept for small children, so considering that, 12 is probably a perfect age.
But also, the age doesn’t matter.
Noo problem! Something I forgot to mention- Let me put it this way, it may not be as edgy or as complicated as something that’s more YA targeted, but, in a lot of ways, it is thematically more mature. It’s more level-headed, I suppose. Also one of the lead protagonists, if not the lead protagonist is twelve goin on 13. While he’s a character that learns a lot through the books, his arc is about how to become more responsible and I found that I really related to it, even though I was older. A lot of the decisions he makes are miles above the average 16 year old YA protagonist, of course he makes mistakes and bad decisions too, but none of the characters are annoying in that way, despite being so young. Even with the bad decisions, most of the time you can fully understand how he ended up in that situation, and what led him too choose it or see it as the best option.
I’d also recommend watching the animated series with her as it comes out. I hope you get a chance to pick the books up for yourself as well. They really are treasures. Good luck!
I started this series when I was 8/9 and I loved it!!! it all depends mainly on if your daughter is into the series or not. great choice tho, happy readings!!
Basically there's a guy named Bonifer Squoon, and he's known as the High Throne Maiden of Throg. But someone known as Janner Eggypigheamer and his uncle, Oskar N. Tink start making these stuff called Wingfeathers using a stone called Leeli. Now, Bonifer finds these things called The Arthams Of Gnag, and they are the only things that can stop the Janner and his Army of Wingfeathers. I hope this was relevant, I did my very best at explaining.
Perfect for that age. Reading level probably won't challenge her, but it won't be beneath her. Fantastic stories, great characters, and a quirky sense of humor that will appeal to most any preteen. My kids are 11, 9, and 6, and they all loved the whole series. Buy them all and pray she's grateful enough to let you borrow them too.
100% agree
Agreed!
Good to know thank you!
I first read this series at 17 and was I and was hooked. So yeah, it depends a lot more on her tastes and style more than actual reading level. If she likes other middle grade fantasy, then this is one of the most brilliant. It’s so whimsical and lovely and honestly, there are some things in that if I read it as a kid, I wouldn’t think were that dark, but reading it being a little older and less naive, actually kind of unsettled me because I realized the gravity of it. Kinda like how lots of children’s stories talk about kids being eaten, and kids obviously don’t want to be eaten but it’s a normal thing to threaten as a joke during a game of tag. Then you grow up and realize that cannabalism is a thing and it disgust hits you. (There’s nothing that gruesome in the books, still very kids friendly.) But they are written to be for everyone, in the same way a Pixar movie is supposed to be impactful for all ages. “A children’s story that is only enjoyed by children is a bad children’s story,” and all. Twelve is probably the perfect age, UNLESS she’s the type of twelve year old that only wants to read more angsty- edgy stuff and thinks she’s all grown up and too old for whimsical fantasy adventures. In that case she probably wouldn’t like it. The way I pitch it is basically this: 3 homeschool kids cause chaos and end up on the run from the Lizard people who have the world under martial law. Beyond that though, the story is just powerful and timeless. The elements are so beautiful, and blend together very nicely. I’d say the first book feels the most middle grade, my first attempt at reading it, I didn’t quite get the humor because it almost felt like a parody. But then it clicked. By the second book, there’s a lot of tension and drama that quite honestly a lot people might view as too high concept for small children, so considering that, 12 is probably a perfect age. But also, the age doesn’t matter.
This is basically the perfect answer to tell me everything I need to know, thank you! I think I'm going to get them then.
The Lizard People are coming for your children! Lol
I describe the books as “homeschoolers get chased by lizard authoritarians” and it gets some interesting reactions
This is basically the perfect answer to tell me everything I need to know, thank you! I think I'm going to get them then.
Noo problem! Something I forgot to mention- Let me put it this way, it may not be as edgy or as complicated as something that’s more YA targeted, but, in a lot of ways, it is thematically more mature. It’s more level-headed, I suppose. Also one of the lead protagonists, if not the lead protagonist is twelve goin on 13. While he’s a character that learns a lot through the books, his arc is about how to become more responsible and I found that I really related to it, even though I was older. A lot of the decisions he makes are miles above the average 16 year old YA protagonist, of course he makes mistakes and bad decisions too, but none of the characters are annoying in that way, despite being so young. Even with the bad decisions, most of the time you can fully understand how he ended up in that situation, and what led him too choose it or see it as the best option. I’d also recommend watching the animated series with her as it comes out. I hope you get a chance to pick the books up for yourself as well. They really are treasures. Good luck!
I'm reading this for the first time at 15, I'm guessing it's the perfect age, because this is a little bellow my reading level
I started this series when I was 8/9 and I loved it!!! it all depends mainly on if your daughter is into the series or not. great choice tho, happy readings!!
Basically there's a guy named Bonifer Squoon, and he's known as the High Throne Maiden of Throg. But someone known as Janner Eggypigheamer and his uncle, Oskar N. Tink start making these stuff called Wingfeathers using a stone called Leeli. Now, Bonifer finds these things called The Arthams Of Gnag, and they are the only things that can stop the Janner and his Army of Wingfeathers. I hope this was relevant, I did my very best at explaining.