A Promise Is a Promise
Florence Parry Heide
A Promise Is a Promise
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Florence Parry Heide
Illustrated by Tony Auth
The text is written at a 2nd grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for younger children (ages 5–8), and the content is gentle with no concerning themes.
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About This Book
What if you promised to take care of a pet, but everything starts to go wrong the moment you bring it home? Imagine the surprises, the messes, and the fun that come when George's dad finally says yes. Will George be able to keep his promise when the real challenge begins?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This charming early reader follows George as he navigates the responsibilities of having a new pet. Suitable for ages 5-8, it highlights themes of commitment and accountability in a light, accessible way. Parents should note that the story includes some mild mischief and learning moments, typical of caring for animals.
Why we rated A Promise Is a Promise 7C
A Promise Is a Promise is written at a Level 2 reading level across 40 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 3.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, A Promise Is a Promise works for readers up to grade 4.0.
We rate A Promise Is a Promise as 7C ("Clear") because the content sits in the "Gentle" range — no conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Across our four dimensions (emotional, physical, social, thematic) the book reads as evenly gentle; no single dimension stands out as a concern.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the gentle intensity score.
Thematically, A Promise Is a Promise explores family, responsibility, friendship, animals, and early readers — 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 family, responsibility, friendship.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
7C — ClearNo conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Safe for sensitive readers.
Was our "Gentle" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780763622855
- Pages
- 40
- Publisher
- Candlewick Press
- Published
- April 24, 2007
- Type
- Fiction