Amalia and the grasshopper
Jerry Tello
Amalia and the grasshopper
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Jerry Tello
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 a tiny grasshopper could teach you the biggest lessons on the basketball court? Imagine Amalia trying to shoot hoops while her grandfather cheers her on and a little green friend hops along. Will she make the winning shot or learn something even more important?
Quick Assessment
This charming early reader follows Amalia as she discovers basketball skills and valuable life lessons with the help of her grandfather and a grasshopper. Suitable for ages 5 to 8, it encourages physical activity, family bonding, and perseverance. The story is gentle and supportive, perfect for young readers beginning to explore sports and teamwork.
Why we rated Amalia and the grasshopper 7C
Amalia and the grasshopper is written at a Level 2 reading level across 24 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 3.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Amalia and the grasshopper works for readers up to grade 4.0.
We rate Amalia and the grasshopper 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, Amalia and the grasshopper explores sports, family, friendship, and coming of age — 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 sports, family, 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
2/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780590202008
- Pages
- 24
- Publisher
- Scholastic
- Published
- 1994
- Type
- Fiction