E.T. and Me
Kim Ostrow
E.T. and Me
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Kim Ostrow
Illustrated by Rudy Obrero
The text is written at a 4th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.
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About This Book
Elliot’s heart pounds as he hides E.T. in the closet, hoping no one will find the alien visitor. Strange things start happening around the house, and suddenly, a mysterious figure appears at the door—who could it be?
Themes
Quick Assessment
E.T. and Me retells the beloved story of a boy who discovers and befriends an extraterrestrial, told from Elliot's perspective. Suitable for readers aged 9-12, it captures themes of friendship, adventure, and empathy, with mild suspense but no intense content. The book includes illustrations and stays true to the family-friendly nature of the original movie.
Why we rated E.T. and Me 9LP
E.T. and Me is written at a Level 4-5 reading level. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, E.T. and Me works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate E.T. and Me as 9LP ("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.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Mild Peril.
Thematically, E.T. and Me explores friendship, adventure, family, and media tie-in — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 9-12 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, adventure, family.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9LP — Light — PhysicalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Content Flags
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
2/10A 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
- ISBN
- 9780613877688
- Publisher
- Turtleback
- Published
- February 2002
- Type
- Fiction