A promise is a promise
Robert N. Munsch
A promise is a promise
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
Story
by Robert N. Munsch
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 mild with minimal sensitive material.
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About This Book
The icy wind whistles sharply as Allashua feels the crunch of frost under her feet. Around her, the cold, sparkling world hides a secret danger beneath the frozen sea. When the mysterious Qallupilluit try to take her brothers and sisters, Allashua must summon her courage and cleverness to keep her family safe.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This early reader story follows Allashua, a brave young girl from an Inuit family, who cleverly protects her siblings from the mythical Qallupilluit creatures lurking beneath the ice. With themes of family bonds and cultural legends, it offers a gentle introduction to folklore suitable for children ages 5 to 8. The story contains mild peril but handles it in an age-appropriate and reassuring way.
Why we rated A promise is a promise 7LE
A promise is a promise is written at a Level 2 reading level across 32 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 7LE ("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, A promise is a promise explores family, multicultural, adventure, and folklore — 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, multicultural, adventure.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
7LE — 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
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781550370089
- Pages
- 32
- Publisher
- Annick Press
- Published
- 1988
- Type
- Fiction