Finding a common language
Thomas Bergman
Finding a common language
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
Children Living With Deafness
by Thomas Bergman
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
What if you found yourself in a new school where everyone speaks a different way? Imagine learning to understand a whole new language made with your hands! Can one little girl discover the magic of sign language and make friends in her special school?
Quick Assessment
This gentle fiction follows a six-year-old girl as she navigates her first days at a nursery school for the deaf, introducing young readers to the experience of deafness and sign language. Suitable for early readers aged 5 to 8, it offers an accessible look at inclusion and communication differences without distressing content. Parents can appreciate the positive representation of disability and the focus on friendship and learning.
Why we rated Finding a common language 7LS
Finding a common language is written at a Level 2 reading level across 48 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 3.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Finding a common language works for readers up to grade 4.0.
We rate Finding a common language as 7LS ("Light — Social") 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, Finding a common language explores disability representation, friendship, coming of age, 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 disability representation, friendship, coming of age.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
7LS — Light — SocialNo 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
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 1555329160
- Pages
- 48
- Publisher
- Gareth Stevens Pub
- Published
- 1989
- Type
- Fiction