Cicada
Mike Shoulders
Cicada
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Mike Shoulders
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
What if you could discover the secret life of cicadas hiding right outside your window? Imagine exploring their buzzing world, learning what they eat, and where they live. But can you uncover all their mysteries before the summer ends?
Themes
Quick Assessment
Cicada is an early reader book designed for children ages 5 to 8, introducing basic facts about cicadas in an engaging, age-appropriate way. The text includes simple questions that encourage critical thinking and inquiry, supported by features like a glossary and index to build vocabulary and research skills. This nonfiction book is ideal for young readers beginning to explore the natural world with guided support.
Why we rated Cicada 7C
Cicada 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, Cicada works for readers up to grade 4.0.
We rate Cicada 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, Cicada explores science & nature, insects, and early literacy — 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 science & nature, insects, early literacy.
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
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781633625891
- Pages
- 24
- Publisher
- Cherry Lake Publishing
- Published
- 2015
- Type
- Fiction