A promise is for keeping
Anne Wade
A promise is for keeping
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Anne Wade
The text is written at a 1st 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
What happens when a promise is broken between best friends? Kathy and Susan have always shared secrets and dreams, but now everything feels different. Can their friendship survive the challenge ahead?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This early reader story explores the importance of promises and the complexities of friendship for children ages 5-8. It gently addresses how misunderstandings can strain relationships and highlights themes of trust and reconciliation. The language and concepts are appropriate for beginning readers and support social-emotional learning.
Why we rated A promise is for keeping 6LE
A promise is for keeping is written at a Level 1-2 reading level across 30 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 2.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, A promise is for keeping works for readers up to grade 3.5.
We rate A promise is for keeping as 6LE ("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 for keeping explores friendship, promises, and juvenile fiction — 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, promises, juvenile fiction.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
6LE — Light — EmotionalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Was our "Mild" 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
- 9780516020242
- Pages
- 30
- Publisher
- Children's Press
- Published
- 1979
- Type
- Fiction