Age rating and parents' guide:Artemis Fowl
by Eoin Colfer
Ages 10–14
Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer is best for children aged 10–14. It has moderate violence, a few mildly scary moments, no romance and mild language. Worth knowing: A bloody fight with a troll; a kidnapping; mild swearing ("damn", "hell"); a character smokes and an underage boy drinks.
Twelve-year-old Artemis Fowl is a genius and a criminal, and he has found a way to steal fairy gold. He kidnaps Captain Holly Short of the fairy police, and the fairies strike back. Invites children to talk about cleverness, right and wrong, and whether a villain can change.
Content ratings
How much of each a parent can expect, from none to strong.
- Violence
- Moderate
- Scary moments
- Mild
- Romance
- None
- Bad language
- Mild
Worth knowing: A bloody fight with a troll; a kidnapping; mild swearing ("damn", "hell"); a character smokes and an underage boy drinks
Content checked by Dhiraj Bodade, co-founder of Bookstaken, on .
At a glance
- Novel
- Part of the Artemis Fowl series
Reading mood
- Gripping
Books like Artemis Fowl
Similar stories for the same ages, none more intense than this one should be for its youngest readers.
Ages 10–14
Toby Alone
by Timothée de Fombelle
Toby is a millimetre and a half tall, and the whole oak tree he lives in is hunting him. His father refused to share a discovery that could harm the tree, and now Toby is on the run. Invites children to talk about greed, fairness and caring for the natural world.
Ages 10–14
The Puffin Feluda Omnibus
by Satyajit Ray
Feluda is Calcutta's sharpest private detective, and his young cousin Topshe tells the stories. Together with the writer Jatayu they solve thefts and murders from Darjeeling to Rajasthan. Invites children to spot the clues and solve the case before Feluda does.
Ages 11–14
The Shamer's Daughter
by Lene Kaaberbøl
Dina has inherited her mother's gift: when people look into her eyes, they feel the shame of everything they have done wrong. When her mother is called to a castle to judge a murder, Dina is drawn into the case. Invites children to talk about truth, guilt and courage.
Ages 9–13
Skulduggery Pleasant
by Derek Landy
When her uncle dies, twelve-year-old Stephanie inherits his house, and a visit from a wisecracking skeleton detective. Together they set out to find out who killed him, and stop a plan to bring back the Faceless Ones. Invites children to talk about bravery and who you choose to be.
Ages 9–13
Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit
by Nahoko Uehashi
Balsa, a spear-wielding bodyguard, saves a young prince from drowning and is asked to protect him. The prince carries a spirit's egg inside him, and both his father's assassins and a monster are coming for it. Invites children to talk about duty, courage and protecting others.
Ages 10–14
Adventures of Rusty
by Ruskin Bond
Rusty is a quiet, imaginative boy growing up in the foothills of the Himalayas. From running away from boarding school and rescuing eccentric pets to making friends in nearby towns, his escapades are full of warmth and curious encounters. A welcoming introduction to traditions, culture, and shared stories.
A good book is the start. A mentor makes it stick.
In a free 1:1 session, a trained Bookstaken mentor reads with your child, asks what they think and helps the reading habit last.
Questions parents ask
Q: What age is Artemis Fowl for?
Q: Is Artemis Fowl appropriate for a 10 year old?
Q: Is Artemis Fowl part of a series?
Q: What should my child read after Artemis Fowl?
Love books yourself? Get paid to read with kids as a Bookbuddy