Arthur loses a friend
Marc Brown
Arthur loses a friend
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Marc Brown
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
The quiet rustle of a closed mailbox fills the air, but there's no postcard inside. Arthur’s heart feels heavy as he waits and waits, wondering where his friend Buster could be. The silence makes him realize just how much he misses him.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This gentle story explores themes of friendship and separation as Arthur copes with his friend Buster’s absence and the lack of communication. Suitable for early readers aged 5-8, it sensitively addresses feelings of sadness and confusion in a relatable way without any intense content.
Why we rated Arthur loses a friend 6LE
Arthur loses a friend is written at a Level 1-2 reading level across 24 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 2.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Arthur loses a friend works for readers up to grade 3.5.
We rate Arthur loses a friend 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, Arthur loses a friend weaves together friendship and coming of age.
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, coming of age.
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
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0375929746
- Pages
- 24
- Publisher
- Random House Books for Young Readers
- Published
- 2006
- Type
- Fiction