Come a Tide
George Ella Lyon
Come a Tide
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by George Ella Lyon
Illustrated by Stephen Gammell
The text is written at a 1st 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
Floods can be fun when you have the right attitude! One brave girl turns a messy spring flood at her country home into an exciting adventure, showing that even big problems can bring surprising joys.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This charming picture book offers a gentle and lighthearted perspective on spring floods through the eyes of a young girl living in a rural setting. It is well-suited for early readers aged 5 to 8, providing an accessible introduction to natural events without fear or distress. Parents can expect a soothing story that emphasizes resilience and positivity amid challenges.
Why we rated Come a Tide 6C
Come a Tide is written at a Level 1-2 reading level across 32 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 2.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Come a Tide works for readers up to grade 3.5.
We rate Come a Tide as 6C ("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, Come a Tide explores country life, floods, children's fiction, early reader, and family — 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 country life, floods, children's fiction.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
6C — 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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Based on content and theme analysis
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780531070369
- Pages
- 32
- Publisher
- Orchard Books (NY)
- Published
- March 1993
- Type
- Fiction