Flies

Name: Flies
Author: Sue L. Hamilton
ISBN: 9781624036897

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Sue L. Hamilton

A&D Xtreme; Xtreme Insects

Reading Level 5-6 C · Gentle Ages 9-12 Balanced Read Page-Turner

The text is written at a 5th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is gentle with no concerning themes. Its HootRating code, C, means gentle content.

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About This Book

Discover the fascinating world of flies and how these tiny creatures play important roles in nature. Explore the different kinds of flies and uncover the secrets behind their unique behaviors and habitats. Perfect for young nature lovers curious about the buzzing insects around them.

Themes

Science & NatureJuvenile literature

Quick Assessment

This is a Level 5-6 book with gentle content intensity. No notable content concerns flagged. Written for readers ages 9-12.

Why we rated Flies C (Gentle)

Flies is written at a Level 5-6 reading level across 32 pages (approximately 1,352 words). Reading-wise, most kids in grade 6 and up can manage Flies on their own; younger readers can enjoy it with a parent or teacher reading along.

Read aloud, Flies takes about 9 minutes, which fits within a single read-aloud session.

We rate Flies as C (Gentle) 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, Flies weaves together science & nature and juvenile literature.

Good fit for

✓ Children in the Ages 9-12 range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
✓ Reluctant readers who need fast-paced, hook-heavy stories to stay engaged.
✓ Kids drawn to stories about science & nature, juvenile literature.
✓ Curious kids who prefer real-world topics over made-up stories.

Maybe not for

! Readers looking for something heavier — this is a gentle, low-stakes story by design.

For Parents

Content Intensity

C · Gentle

Emotional

Gentle

Physical

Gentle

Social

Gentle

Thematic

Gentle

Reading the HootRating code: the first letter is the content intensity (C = Gentle · L = Mild · M = Moderate · I = Intense · V = Very Intense); the second, when there is one, is the kind of content that drives it (E = Emotional · P = Physical · S = Social · T = Thematic). Reading level and age range are rated separately. How we rate

No conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Safe for sensitive readers.

Data confidence: standard

Was our "Gentle" content intensity rating accurate for this book?