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Cover of The Forbidden Library

Age rating and parents' guide:The Forbidden Library

by Django Wexler

Ages 9–11

The Forbidden Library by Django Wexler is best for children aged 9–11. It has mild violence, some scary moments, no romance and no bad language.

After her father goes missing at sea, Alice is sent to live with her mysterious uncle Geryon in his massive, labyrinthine estate. She soon discovers that his vast library is magical, and that certain books hold dangerous worlds you can actually step inside. To uncover the truth about her father, Alice must train as a reader and capture the creatures locked inside the pages. Children love the eerie atmosphere, inventive magical system, and Alice's brave, clever personality as she navigates tricky challenges.

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Content ratings

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

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

Content checked by Dhiraj Bodade, co-founder of Bookstaken, on 4 October 2026.

At a glance

  • ★Novel
  • ★Part of the The Forbidden Library series
  • ★A steady start that picks up quickly
  • ★Mostly text
  • ★Some emotionally heavy moments

Great for kids who like

  • Fantasy & Magic
  • Magic & magical worlds

Reading mood

  • Imaginative
  • Thoughtful
  • Suspenseful

Good to talk about

  • Emotions & empathy
  • Fantasy & Magic

Books like The Forbidden Library

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Questions parents ask

Q: What age is The Forbidden Library for?
The Forbidden Library suits children aged 9–11. It is a novel: a steady start that picks up quickly, mostly text.
Q: Is The Forbidden Library appropriate for a 9 year old?
Yes. Bookstaken rates it for ages 9–11. It has mild violence, some scary moments, no romance and no bad language.
Q: Is The Forbidden Library part of a series?
Yes, it belongs to the The Forbidden Library series. If your child enjoys it, the other The Forbidden Library books are the easiest next step.
Q: What should my child read after The Forbidden Library?
Try Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Nevermoor and The Girl Who Drank the Moon. They share the same kind of story and suit the same ages.
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