Close to the wind
Malone, Peter
Close to the wind
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
The Beaufort Scale
by Malone, Peter
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
Have you ever wondered how sailors tell how strong the wind is when they're far out at sea? Imagine being a young sailor on a big ship, writing secret diary notes about wild winds and crashing waves. What adventures and dangers will the wind bring next?
Quick Assessment
This historical fiction book introduces young readers to the Beaufort wind scale through the eyes of a twelve-year-old midshipman in 1810. The story includes fictional diary entries that depict varying wind conditions and life aboard an English man-of-war, blending factual information with engaging narrative suitable for early readers aged 5-8. Parents should note the historical setting but can expect gentle content appropriate for this age group.
Why we rated Close to the wind 7C
Close to the wind is written at a Level 2 reading level across 32 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 3.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Close to the wind works for readers up to grade 4.0.
We rate Close to the wind 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, Close to the wind explores historical, science & nature, and adventure — 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 historical, science & nature, adventure.
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
2/10A 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
- 9780399243998
- Pages
- 32
- Publisher
- Putnam Juvenile
- Published
- 2007
- Type
- Fiction