An author a month
Sharron L. McElmeel
An author a month
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
For Pennies
by Sharron L. McElmeel
The text is written at a 6th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is gentle with no concerning themes.
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About This Book
Nine amazing authors and illustrators come together to show how stories can light up your imagination. Each one shares their secrets about creating the books you love, proving that anyone can craft a tale worth reading. Discover why these creators matter and how their work can inspire your own adventures in storytelling.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade book profiles nine prominent children's authors and illustrators, providing insights into their creative processes and contributions to literature. Ideal for ages 9-12, it encourages a love of reading and writing, making it a valuable resource for young readers and library programs. The content is engaging and appropriate, focusing on literacy and creativity without sensitive material.
Why we rated An author a month 11C
An author a month is written at a Level 6 reading level across 224 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, An author a month works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate An author a month as 11C ("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, An author a month explores children's literature, creativity, reading, education, and libraries — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 9-12 range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about children's literature, creativity, reading.
- ✓ Curious kids who prefer real-world topics over made-up stories.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers whose emotional readiness lags behind their decoding skills — this book's intensity outruns its reading level, a classic "gifted kid" mismatch.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11C — 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
- 0872876616
- Pages
- 224
- Publisher
- Englewood, Colo. : Libraries Unlimited
- Published
- 1988
- Type
- Nonfiction