← Back to search
Cover of Pan's Labyrinth

Pan's Labyrinth

Guillermo del Toro, Cornelia Funke (2019)

SubgenreFairy Tale Retelling
Age groupYA 12-17
Content ratingR
Pages304 (Standard (250-400))
SettingSecondary World
CSM age14+
Goodreads4.26/5 (22736)

Content levels

ViolenceStrong
Sexual contentNone
LanguageMild

Synopsis

Nothing can prepare Ofelia for the reality of the Capitan's eerie house, in the midst of a dense forest which conceals many things: fearsome beasts and fairies, renegade resistance fighters, a labyrinth. There is no one to keep Ofelia safe as the labyrinth beckons her into her own story, where the monstrous and human meet, where myths pulse with living blood

Is Pan's Labyrinth appropriate for my child?

Suitable for most readers 14 and up.

This dark fairy tale set during the Spanish Civil War contains strong violence, frightening imagery, and mature historical themes including fascism and war. The fantastical elements are haunting and often disturbing rather than whimsical.

What to know going in

This book has strong violence, no sexual content, and mild language. Content notes include child harm, death, and grief (see the full list above).

Who'll love this

Teens will be drawn into Ofelia's escape into a mysterious labyrinth filled with mythical creatures and impossible choices as she navigates both magical and real-world dangers.

Tags

Fairy Tale RetellingHistorical FantasyDark FantasyMagical RealismHorror Elements