213 Valentines (A Redfeather Book)
Barbara Cohen
213 Valentines (A Redfeather Book)
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Barbara Cohen
Illustrated by Wil Clay
The text is written at a 3rd grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for younger children (ages 5–8), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
The rustle of paper and the soft scratch of pencils fill the air as Wade carefully writes valentine after valentine, each one a tiny hope sent out to new friends. The smell of crayons and the buzz of classroom chatter swirl around him in a place that feels both exciting and a little scary. Can Wade find where he belongs before the last valentine is given?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This early reader follows fourth-grader Wade Thompson as he navigates the challenges of transferring to a new school for gifted students. The story gently explores themes of friendship, self-discovery, and acceptance, making it suitable for children ages 5 to 8. Parents can expect humor and warmth without any intense content, ideal for young readers adjusting to new social environments.
Why we rated 213 Valentines (A Redfeather Book) 8LE
213 Valentines (A Redfeather Book) is written at a Level 3 reading level across 64 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 4.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, 213 Valentines (A Redfeather Book) works for readers up to grade 5.0.
We rate 213 Valentines (A Redfeather Book) as 8LE ("Light — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Mild" range — mild conflict — the kind a child encounters in normal play and sibling life. Across our four dimensions (emotional, physical, social, thematic) the book reads as evenly mild; no single dimension stands out as a concern.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the mild intensity score.
Thematically, 213 Valentines (A Redfeather Book) explores friendship, coming of age, family, holidays & festivals, and humor — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 5-8 range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about friendship, coming of age, family.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
8LE — Light — EmotionalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
2/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Valentines Day
Wendy Watson
Valentines Day
Wendy Watson
Valentines (Hello Reader)
Judith Moffatt
Valentines (Hello Reader)
Judith Moffatt
Secret valentine
Catherine Stock
Secret valentine
Catherine Stock
Valentine's Day
Emma Carlson Berne
Valentine's Day
Emma Carlson Berne
Valentine's Day
Gloria de Mina
Valentine's Day
Gloria de Mina
Who Wants a Valentine? (Random House Picturebacks)
Linda Lowery
Who Wants a Valentine? (Random House Picturebacks)
Linda Lowery
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780805026276
- Pages
- 64
- Publisher
- Macmillan
- Published
- March 15, 1993
- Type
- Fiction