And the Sun God said: That's hip.
Ernest Gregg
And the Sun God said: That's hip.
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Ernest Gregg
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
Did you know the Sun God has a secret about how everything began? He created something amazing—you!—and said it’s truly hip. But that’s only the beginning of a story full of rhythm and magic.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This poetic book introduces early readers to a creative and culturally rich retelling of the Sun God's creation of black people. Suitable for ages 5-8, it uses simple verse to celebrate heritage and identity with lively language. Parents should note it focuses on cultural pride through imaginative storytelling without intense content.
Why we rated And the Sun God said: That's hip. 7C
And the Sun God said: That's hip. 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, And the Sun God said: That's hip. works for readers up to grade 4.0.
We rate And the Sun God said: That's hip. 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, And the Sun God said: That's hip. explores creation, poetry, multicultural, and family — 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 creation, poetry, multicultural.
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
1/10A 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
- 0060221143
- Pages
- 24
- Publisher
- HarperCollins Publishers
- Published
- 1972
- Type
- Fiction