Age rating and parents' guide:Heidi
by Johanna Spyri
Ages 9–11
Heidi by Johanna Spyri is best for children aged 9–11. It has no violence, nothing scary, no romance and no bad language. Worth knowing: Orphan; illness of friend.
Sent to live high in the Swiss Alps with her grumpy, reclusive grandfather, cheerful orphan Heidi quickly falls in love with mountain life, the goats, and her new friend Peter. Invites children to share how they might feel or act in the same situation.
Content ratings
How much of each a parent can expect, from none to strong.
- Violence
- None
- Scary moments
- None
- Romance
- None
- Bad language
- None
Worth knowing: Orphan; illness of friend
Content checked by Dhiraj Bodade, co-founder of Bookstaken, on .
At a glance
- Novel
- A steady start that picks up quickly
- Mostly text
- Emotionally light
Great for kids who like
- Friendship
Reading mood
- Warm & heartfelt
Good to talk about
- Friendship
Books like Heidi
Similar stories for the same ages, none more intense than this one should be for its youngest readers.
Ages 9–11
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Ages 9–14
Restart
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Amina's Voice
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Shy sixth-grader Amina is caught between wanting to blend in and wanting to share her talent for singing. When middle school brings shifting friendships and her local Islamic center is vandalised in a hate crime, Amina struggles with anxiety and identity. Encourages gentle, guided conversations about challenging feelings and experiences.
Ages 9–14
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Ages 9–14
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After living a miserable life with his uncaring aunt and uncle, Harry Potter discovers on his eleventh birthday that he is actually a wizard. He is whisked away to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, where he learns spells, plays Quidditch, and discovers the warmth of true friendship. Encourages gentle, guided conversations about challenging feelings and experiences.
Ages 9–14
Wonder
by R.J. Palacio
Ten-year-old August Pullman was born with severe facial differences that kept him out of mainstream school—until now. Entering fifth grade at Beecher Prep, Auggie wants nothing more than to be treated like an ordinary kid, but his new classmates struggle to look past his appearance. Encourages gentle, guided conversations about challenging feelings and experiences.
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Questions parents ask
Q: What age is Heidi for?
Q: Is Heidi appropriate for a 9 year old?
Q: What should my child read after Heidi?
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