Albert Blows a Fuse
Tom Bower
Albert Blows a Fuse
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Tom Bower
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.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
Albert's radio crackles and then—pop! The fuse blows, plunging the room into silence. Suddenly, strange things start happening all around him, and Albert has no idea what’s coming next!
Quick Assessment
This early reader book follows Albert, an elderly man whose quiet life is disrupted when his radio blows a fuse, sparking unexpected events. Suitable for ages 5-8, it features simple text and engaging illustrations that encourage early reading skills. The story contains no intense content and offers a light, entertaining look at change and surprise.
Why we rated Albert Blows a Fuse 7C
Albert Blows a Fuse 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, Albert Blows a Fuse works for readers up to grade 4.0.
We rate Albert Blows a Fuse 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, Albert Blows a Fuse explores friendship, family, humor, and adventure — 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.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about friendship, family, humor.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers looking for something heavier — this is a gentle, low-stakes story by design.
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
3/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Albert
Alison Jezard
Albert
Alison Jezard
Albert's Quiet Quest
Isabelle Arsenault
Albert's Quiet Quest
Isabelle Arsenault
Blow it up!
Thomas Kingsley Troupe
Blow it up!
Thomas Kingsley Troupe
Tom the Whistling Wonder
Leon Rosselson
Tom the Whistling Wonder
Leon Rosselson
Electricity
Graham Peacock
Electricity
Graham Peacock
Albert and the Magician
Leon McAuley
Albert and the Magician
Leon McAuley
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780745919065
- Pages
- 32
- Publisher
- Chariot Victor Pub
- Published
- May 1991
- Type
- Fiction