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Bitters : a Spirited History of a Classic Cure-All, with Cocktails, Recipes, and Formulas,by Brad Thomas Parsons

Brad Thomas Parsons

Cover of Bitters : a Spirited History of a Classic Cure-All, with Cocktails, Recipes, and Formulas,by Brad Thomas Parsons

Bitters : a Spirited History of a Classic Cure-All, with Cocktails, Recipes, and Formulas,by Brad Thomas Parsons

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

A Spirited History of a Classic Cure-All, with Cocktails, Recipes, and Formulas

by Brad Thomas Parsons

Reading Level 6 11LS Ages 9-12 Balanced Read

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

Have you ever wondered what makes a cocktail taste so special? Imagine a tiny bottle holding a secret history—from old-time remedies to the heart of today’s coolest drinks. But what exactly is bitters, and why are they back in the spotlight?

Themes

ArtScience & NatureHistoryCookingAdventure

Quick Assessment

This book explores the fascinating history and resurgence of bitters, a key ingredient in cocktails, blending historical facts with recipes and craft techniques. Suitable for readers aged 9-12 with an interest in food, history, and creativity, it offers a unique look at beverage culture without containing inappropriate content. Parents should note it includes references to alcohol and cocktail preparation, presented in an educational and non-glamorizing manner.

Why we rated Bitters : a Spirited History of a Classic Cure-All, with Cocktails, Recipes, and Formulas,by Brad Thomas Parsons 11LS

Bitters : a Spirited History of a Classic Cure-All, with Cocktails, Recipes, and Formulas,by Brad Thomas Parsons is written at a Level 6 reading level across 242 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Bitters : a Spirited History of a Classic Cure-All, with Cocktails, Recipes, and Formulas,by Brad Thomas Parsons works for readers up to grade 8.0.

We rate Bitters : a Spirited History of a Classic Cure-All, with Cocktails, Recipes, and Formulas,by Brad Thomas Parsons as 11LS ("Light — Social") 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, Bitters : a Spirited History of a Classic Cure-All, with Cocktails, Recipes, and Formulas,by Brad Thomas Parsons explores art, science & nature, history, cooking, and adventure — 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 art, science & nature, history.

Maybe not for

  • ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.

For Parents

Content Intensity

11LS — Light — Social
Emotional
Clear
Physical
Clear
Social
Light
Thematic
Light

Light conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.

Data confidence: standard

Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?

Reading Insights

Hook Factor

2/10

A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.

Discussion Potential

2/10

A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

Vocabulary Level
5
Emotional Weight
4
Theme Richness
5
World Scope
1
Data Confidence
7

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Details

Book Length

242 pages
ISBN
9781637990025
Pages
242
Publisher
Ten Speed Press
Published
2011
Type
Fiction

Genres

Subjects

Art