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Cover of Max and the Midknights

Age rating and parents' guide:Max and the Midknights

by Lincoln Peirce

Ages 9–11

Max and the Midknights by Lincoln Peirce is best for children aged 9–11. It has mild violence, a few mildly scary moments, no romance and no bad language.

Max dreams of becoming a knight rather than an apprentice troubadour, even though medieval traditions stand in the way. When Uncle Budrick is captured by the cruel King Gastley, Max bands together with a lively group of misfit friends called the Midknights to mount a daring rescue. Blending comic strips with illustrated narrative, this fast-paced adventure delivers constant jokes, magical surprises, and heroic moments that keep young readers laughing and turning pages.

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Content ratings

How much of each a parent can expect, from none to strong.

Violence
Mild
Scary moments
Mild
Romance
None
Bad language
None
Dhiraj Bodade

Content checked by Dhiraj Bodade, co-founder of Bookstaken, on 21 September 2026.

At a glance

  • ★Graphic novel
  • ★Part of the Max and the Midknights series
  • ★Easy to get into from the first page
  • ★Pictures on almost every page
  • ★Emotionally light
  • ★A good pick for reluctant readers

Great for kids who like

  • Action & Adventure

Reading mood

  • Adventurous
  • Suspenseful
  • Inspiring

Good to talk about

  • Action & Adventure

Books like Max and the Midknights

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On these book lists

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Questions parents ask

Q: What age is Max and the Midknights for?
Max and the Midknights suits children aged 9–11. It is a graphic novel: easy to get into from the first page, pictures on almost every page.
Q: Is Max and the Midknights appropriate for a 9 year old?
Yes. Bookstaken rates it for ages 9–11. It has mild violence, a few mildly scary moments, no romance and no bad language.
Q: Is Max and the Midknights part of a series?
Yes, it belongs to the Max and the Midknights series. If your child enjoys it, the other Max and the Midknights books are the easiest next step.
Q: What should my child read after Max and the Midknights?
Try Secret Coders, Zita the Spacegirl and The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane. They share the same kind of story and suit the same ages.
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