Close shave
H. I. Larry
Close shave
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by H. I. Larry
The text is written at a 3rd 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
Zac Power races through the bustling city streets, dodging traps set by the sneaky villains behind the mysterious hair gel. His mission? To stop the evil plan that's making everyone lose their hair! But just when he thinks he's close to victory, a new challenge appears out of nowhere...
Quick Assessment
This early reader adventure follows Zac Power as he tackles an unusual threat—an evil hair gel causing balding. Suitable for ages 5-8 and reading level around grade 3, the story provides lighthearted excitement without intense content. Parents can expect a fun, imaginative tale with themes of adventure and problem-solving.
Why we rated Close shave 8LP
Close shave is written at a Level 3 reading level across 90 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 4.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Close shave works for readers up to grade 5.0.
We rate Close shave as 8LP ("Light — Physical") 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, Close shave explores adventure, juvenile fiction, and humor — 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.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about adventure, juvenile fiction, humor.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers looking for something heavier — this is a gentle, low-stakes story by design.
For Parents
Content Intensity
8LP — Light — PhysicalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Was our "Mild" 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
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781742978338
- Pages
- 90
- Publisher
- Hardie Grant Books
- Published
- 2014
- Type
- Fiction