• Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Big Books, Little Ears

Reading chapter books to toddlers, preschoolers, and beyond

  • Books to Read Aloud
  • Tips for Reading Together
  • Book Activities
  • Books for Moms
  • About
  • Contact Me
You are here: Home / Book Reviews / What Age Can Read the Enola Holmes Series?

What Age Can Read the Enola Holmes Series?

May 14 by Kristin Wynalda

Share this post:

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Pinterest Share on Email

I could have titled this review, The Infuriating Case of the Enola Holmes Book Series.

The publisher says the Enola Holmes series is for 8 to 12 year olds, or starting in 3rd grade. However, the reading level is significantly higher, at about 6th through 8th grade. Furthermore, the preface talks about a murdered prostitute, and there are frequent references to how stupid girls are. Read on for some content considerations before you hand the book to your child.

Full disclosure, I only read the first book in the series, so this is all from the first book. I’m working with the assumption that the rest of the series is similar.

This post contains referral links for these products. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. It does not cost you extra to purchase through my links.

Content to be aware of in the Enola Holmes series

Before you hand the Enola Holmes series to your 8 year old, you should know about some of the content in the books.

In the prologue of the very first book there is references to a prostitute (and used the word “prostitute”). There is an explanation that prostitutes had been recently murdered and “split open.” There are frequent run-ins with drunks.

People lie and cheat and steal. Enola is supposed to be brilliant but does some truly stupid and foolish things.

Mycroft and Sherlock Holmes frequently talk about how stupid women are. Not just this particular woman, ALL of them. They also say that women are hysterical, and not to be trusted.

There is lots of interesting information about the suffragist movement. I have no idea if it’s true, but if it is, that’s a nice perk of the book.

It’s weirdly racist. Like, it talks about how Gypsies have “a touch of larceny.” In a book for…children.

If you saw the Netflix movie adaptation of the series, you might have expected Enola and her mother to have a strong relationship. Not so in the book. Enola frequently talks about how it was shameful that she was born, that she was trying to earn her mother’s love, and how she was basically abandoned from birth to raise herself. Her mother also leaves on her 14th birthday.

Instead I recommend this clean mystery book for tweens…

If you’re looking for a clean mystery book with similar vibes as the Enola Holmes series, I recommend The Doll People by Ann M. Martin. The Doll People has an 8 year old female protagonist who solves a (sort of dark) mystery. But it’s squeaky clean, explores family dynamics resolved in a healthy way, and has two more books in the series if your child likes this one. I recommend it highly for both genders, don’t be thrown off by the fact that it’s about dolls.

Style considerations

Even though the Enola Holmes series is labeled by the publisher as being for 8 through 12 year olds (so, third through seventh graders), the reading level is significantly higher than that. There is an advanced vocabulary, complex sentence structure, and a flowery writing style that fits the story’s time period.

Because of this, the reading level is at least a sixth grade level.

It also weirdly is written in first person present, and then every few chapters sort of forgets that and adds a note about the future. Most notably the notes about the future are about how Sherlock Holmes is severely depressed and that’s why he acts like he does. Weird. Could have benefited from a sharp-eyed edit.

Instead I recommend…

Check out my curated list of 100+ clean mysteries for tweens. Many of the options on this list will have the sort of Edwardian/late-Victorian-era vibes that the Enola Holmes books are known for. There are also some options that will be at a similar vocabulary and reading level (aka, 6th grade), but without the questionable content.

incorrigible children of ashton place cover image

(The one that comes to mind immediately is The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place by Maryrose Wood, but do check out the whole list. The list is marketed for “girls,” but most options will be excellent for either gender.)

Faith Considerations

There are occasional side comments that to be a person of science is incongruous with religious faith. Keep that in mind, and be prepared to discuss your beliefs about this if you choose to hand your child the series.

Instead I recommend…

If you’re looking for a Christian series for an actual 8 to 12 year old, I highly recommend the Tree Street Kids series by Amanda Cleary Eastep.

It does NOT have the same Victorian style the Enola Holmes books employ, it’s definitely contemporary mystery. However, they’re exciting faith filled adventures that aren’t heavy handed (we like a sprinkling of the gospel, not a sledgehammer) with real-feeling kids. They are perfect for 8 to 12 year olds of both genders.

Nancy Drew, too?

I have previously done a deep dive into what age can read Nancy Drew.

Share this post:

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Pinterest Share on Email

Filed Under: Book Reviews, Children's Books, Reading Aloud

More stuff to help you…

Non-cheesy Christian Books for Tween Boys that AREN’T Devotionals

Book List for a Monk’s Meal

couple travel picture

Christian Marriage Books Worth Reading

Primary Sidebar

Hello! I’m Kristin.

It can be hard to find good Christian books, so I do the work for you through thorough Christian book reviews! That doesn’t mean I only look at Christian books – it means that I review all types of kids’ books through the lens of my faith. Let’s find you something to read aloud!
  • Join the conversation on Facebook!
  • Follow me on Instagram!

There's more to read!

Join the newsletter list to receive the latest content from Big Books, Little Ears. Get tips, book suggestions, and deals that are only sent out in my newsletters!

Success! Now check your email to confirm your subscription.

There was an error submitting your subscription. Please try again.

I won't send you spam, and I'd never sell your information. You can unsubscribe at any time. Powered by ConvertKit

Looking for something?

More articles you might like:

  • Picky Mom Review of The King of Easter: Jesus Searches for All God’s Children
  • Review of The Bright Side, and Interview with the Author
  • FIVE Tips for Reading Bible Story Books with Multiple Ages (Plus a Lenten Challenge)

Footer

Legal Stuff

Terms of Use

Privacy Policy

Website Disclaimer and Disclosures

Copyright Big Books, Little Ears© 2023

We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent.
Cookie SettingsAccept All
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
SAVE & ACCEPT