Dickens & Rumi

book

The Land of the Silver Apples

Nancy Farmer · 2007

Explore the age guidance, content cautions, positive qualities, and supporting notes for The Land of the Silver Apples by Nancy Farmer. This book is recommended for ages 10+; content notes include Frightening scenes, Religious themes, Violence; positive qualities include Courage & resilience, Creativity & curiosity.

Ages 10+Source checked

Why this age? Middle-grade prose and adventure appeal are balanced by kidnapping, demons, frightening underworld settings, peril, and darker mythic themes. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age10+

Strongest cautions

  • Frightening scenes4/5
  • Religious themes3/5
  • Violence3/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Creativity & curiosity4/5
  • Good role models4/5

What’s in it?

Death of a character2/5
Why this rating?

Themes of death and the afterlife are present in the context of the underworld journey.

Graphic injury1/5
Why this rating?

Minor fantasy injuries are described, but detail is kept appropriate for young readers.

Strong language1/5
Why this rating?

Mild, period-appropriate language.

Religious themes3/5
Why this rating?

Shrines, demons, fallen angels, exorcism-like ideas, and mythic spiritual powers are important to the plot and setting.

Romance1/5
Why this rating?

Very minor, non-central focus on interpersonal connections.

Frightening scenes4/5
Why this rating?

Demons, fallen angels, kidnapping, enchantments, hobgoblins, the underworld, and darker supernatural powers create sustained frightening atmosphere.

Alcohol or drugs1/5
Why this rating?

Historical/fantasy drinking habits may be briefly depicted.

Violence3/5
Why this rating?

Includes fantasy battles, threats, and dangerous encounters with supernatural beings.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

Rescuing Lucy and confronting supernatural and underworld dangers require sustained bravery, loyalty, and perseverance.

Creativity & curiosity4/5
Why this rating?

Inventive worldbuilding, faerie enchantments, mythic beings, and problem-solving through illusion and tests strongly stimulate imagination.

Diverse representation2/5
Why this rating?

Explores varied cultural backgrounds within the fantasy context.

Educational value2/5
Why this rating?

Draws on Norse mythology and folklore elements.

Kindness & empathy3/5
Why this rating?

Friendship and support are key to overcoming the challenges.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

Emphasizes resilience, loyalty, and the importance of discernment.

Good role models4/5
Why this rating?

Protagonists show perseverance and growth through hardship.

Family discussion

Talk about it

Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What did courage look like in this story? Was being brave always the same as being fearless?
  2. Which moment felt most tense or frightening? What helped the characters handle fear?
  3. Which choice in The Land of the Silver Apples would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in The Land of the Silver Apples, and what caused that change?
Discuss this title with other parents

Community reactions

What families noticed

Add your perspective

Sign in from the homepage to rate this title.

Where to get it

Find in a libraryBuy on Bookshop.orgBuy on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate and Bookshop.org affiliate, Dickens & Rumi may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.

If you liked this

Try something nearby

Related by age fit, format, and catalogue context.

You’re hereThe Land of the Silver Apples
Drowned Ammet (Dalemark Quartet, Book 2)Diana Wynne Jones · 1977Ages 12+Cart and Cwidder (The Dalemark Quartet)Diana Wynne Jones · 1975Ages 12+The Secret AdversaryAgatha Christie · 1922Ages 13+THE KEEPERDavid BaldacciAges 12+

These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

Report an incorrect rating