E.T. and Me (E.T. the Extra Terrestrial)
Kim Ostrow
E.T. and Me (E.T. the Extra Terrestrial)
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Kim Ostrow
Illustrated by Rudy Obrero
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 gentle with no concerning themes.
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About This Book
The soft hum of stars fills the night as Elliott feels a strange, warm glow beside him. Suddenly, a tiny, mysterious creature with big, curious eyes reaches out, whispering secrets of a faraway world. Together, they embark on a journey that will change Elliott’s heart forever.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This early reader chapter book retells Elliott’s adventure with the gentle alien E.T., capturing themes of friendship, empathy, and wonder. Suitable for children ages 5-8, it features simple language and illustrations to support young readers. The story contains no intense content and emphasizes kindness and imagination.
Why we rated E.T. and Me (E.T. the Extra Terrestrial) 8C
E.T. and Me (E.T. the Extra Terrestrial) is written at a Level 3 reading level across 64 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 4.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, E.T. and Me (E.T. the Extra Terrestrial) works for readers up to grade 5.0.
We rate E.T. and Me (E.T. the Extra Terrestrial) as 8C ("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, E.T. and Me (E.T. the Extra Terrestrial) explores science fiction, fantasy, friendship, adventure, and movie tie-in — 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 science fiction, fantasy, friendship.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
8C — 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
- 9780689843662
- Pages
- 64
- Publisher
- Simon and Schuster
- Published
- February 1, 2002
- Type
- Fiction