Cory Coleman, Grade 2 (Redfeather Book)
Larry Dane Brimner
Cory Coleman, Grade 2 (Redfeather Book)
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Larry Dane Brimner
Illustrated by Karen Ritz
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
What would you do if your birthday present was a total mystery? Cory and his best friend sneak a peek at the hidden gift, but when it doesn’t work, they worry they’ve broken it! Then, just when Cory hopes for a fun party, the class bully shows up to cause trouble—can second grade get any worse?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This early reader follows Cory Coleman as he navigates the ups and downs of turning seven and starting second grade. The story touches on themes of friendship, curiosity, and dealing with bullying in a gentle, age-appropriate way for children ages 5 to 8. Parents should note the presence of mild conflict related to a class bully, presented in a way suitable for young readers.
Why we rated Cory Coleman, Grade 2 (Redfeather Book) 8LE
Cory Coleman, Grade 2 (Redfeather Book) is written at a Level 3 reading level across 68 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 4.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Cory Coleman, Grade 2 (Redfeather Book) works for readers up to grade 5.0.
We rate Cory Coleman, Grade 2 (Redfeather Book) as 8LE ("Light — Emotional") 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, Cory Coleman, Grade 2 (Redfeather Book) explores friendship, school stories, bullying, 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 friendship, school stories, bullying.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
8LE — Light — EmotionalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780805018448
- Pages
- 68
- Publisher
- Macmillan
- Published
- September 15, 1991
- Type
- Fiction