Clifford At the Circus
Norman Bridwell, Michael Lobel, Judie Bazinger, Lenny Roberts, Elizabeth Corrigan, Robert Mack
Clifford At the Circus
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
More Fun and Games with Clifford on Side B
by Norman Bridwell, Michael Lobel, Judie Bazinger, Lenny Roberts, Elizabeth Corrigan, Robert Mack
The text is written at a 5th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is gentle with no concerning themes.
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About This Book
Clifford isn’t just any dog—he’s the biggest star the circus has ever seen! From towering tricks to heartwarming moments, his circus adventures prove that being different is your greatest strength. Discover why Clifford’s giant heart makes all the difference under the big top.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fiction book follows Clifford, the giant red dog, as he explores the exciting world of the circus. Featuring music and activities, it engages children aged 9-12 while promoting themes of self-confidence and embracing uniqueness. The content is gentle and suitable for this age group, with no concerning elements.
Why we rated Clifford At the Circus 10C
Clifford At the Circus is written at a Level 5 reading level. Strong independent readers around grade 6.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Clifford At the Circus works for readers up to grade 7.0.
We rate Clifford At the Circus as 10C ("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, Clifford At the Circus explores adventure, friendship, family, humor, and animals — 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.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about adventure, friendship, family.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers whose emotional readiness lags behind their decoding skills — this book's intensity outruns its reading level, a classic "gifted kid" mismatch.
For Parents
Content Intensity
10C — ClearNo conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Safe for sensitive readers.
Was our "Gentle" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
3/10A 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
- ISBN
- 9780590608947
- Publisher
- Scholastic, Inc.
- Published
- 1989
- Type
- Fiction