At the foot of the rainbow
Gene Stratton-Porter
At the foot of the rainbow
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Gene Stratton-Porter
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 mild with minimal sensitive material.
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About This Book
What if your best friend wasn't who you thought they were? Dannie has always stood by Jimmy, even when things get tough. But can Dannie see the truth before it's too late?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade novel explores themes of friendship and trust set against the backdrop of Indiana farm life. The story centers on Dannie Macnoun, who struggles to understand the true nature of his longtime friend Jimmy Malone. Suitable for ages 9-12, it offers valuable lessons about interpersonal relationships and discerning character.
Why we rated At the foot of the rainbow 11LE
At the foot of the rainbow is written at a Level 6 reading level across 252 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, At the foot of the rainbow works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate At the foot of the rainbow as 11LE ("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, At the foot of the rainbow explores friendship, interpersonal relations, farm life, and coming of age — 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 friendship, interpersonal relations, farm life.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11LE — 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
- 0253334675
- Pages
- 252
- Publisher
- Indiana University Press
- Published
- 1998
- Type
- Fiction