Dealing with tattling
Don Middleton
Dealing with tattling
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Don Middleton
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 why some kids can't help but tell on others? Imagine a playground where every little secret and mistake is shouted out loud—how would that feel? What if there was a better way to handle those tricky moments?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This book introduces young readers to the concept of tattling, explaining why children might do it and how it affects friendships and relationships. It offers practical alternatives and strategies to resolve conflicts without causing harm. Suitable for early readers aged 5-8, it supports social and emotional learning in a gentle, age-appropriate manner.
Why we rated Dealing with tattling 7LE
Dealing with tattling is written at a Level 2 reading level across 24 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 3.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Dealing with tattling works for readers up to grade 4.0.
We rate Dealing with tattling as 7LE ("Light — Emotional") 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, Dealing with tattling explores interpersonal relations, friendship, and social skills — 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 interpersonal relations, friendship, social skills.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
7LE — Light — EmotionalNo 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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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0823952665
- Pages
- 24
- Publisher
- PowerKids Press
- Published
- 1999
- Type
- Fiction