A dog called Homeless

Sarah Lean

Cover of A dog called Homeless

A dog called Homeless

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Sarah Lean

Reading Level 4-5 Moderate (Lvl 3) Ages 9-12 Matched

The text is written at a 4th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content has moderate intensity with some emotionally heavy themes.

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About This Book

Cally Louise, a fifth grader, finds herself silent after losing her mother, feeling the quiet weight of unspoken grief in her family. Through her friendships with a homeless man, a boy with disabilities, and the companionship of a gentle giant dog, she discovers new ways to express herself and heal. This heartfelt journey explores the power of connection and understanding beyond words.

Quick Assessment

This is a Level 4-5 book with moderate content intensity. Content themes include loss & grief, divorce & family change, disability representation. Written for readers ages 9-12.

For Parents

Content Intensity

Level 3 — Moderate
Gentle Mild Moderate Intense Very Intense

Real stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.

Content Flags

Loss & Grief Divorce & Family Change Disability Representation
Data confidence: high

Was our "Moderate" content intensity rating accurate for this book?

Reading Insights

Hook Factor

2/10

A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.

Discussion Potential

5/10

Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

Vocabulary Level
4
Emotional Weight
6
Narrative Pace
5
Theme Richness
8
World Scope
1
Data Confidence
8

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Details

Book Length

202 pages
30,972 words
3h 26m read-aloud
ISBN
9780062122209
Pages
202
Publisher
Katherine Tegen Books
Published
2012
Type
Fiction
Word Count
30,972
Lexile
660L
Read-Aloud
~3h 26m
Text Density
Standard

Genres

Subjects

BlindHearing ImpairedSingle-parent FamiliesGriefPeople With DisabilitiesSelective MutismDogsHandicappedPeople With Mental Disabilities