Reviewed by HootRated editorial · Last updated
Flies
Sue L. Hamilton
Flies
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Sue L. Hamilton
A&D Xtreme; Xtreme Insects
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.
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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
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 10C
Flies is written at a Level 5-6 reading level across 32 pages (approximately 1,352 words). Strong independent readers around grade 6.1 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Flies works for readers up to grade 7.1.
Read aloud, Flies takes about 9 minutes, which fits within a single read-aloud session.
We rate Flies as 10C ("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, 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 whose emotional readiness lags behind their decoding skills — this book's intensity outruns its reading level, a classic "gifted kid" mismatch.
For Parents
Content Intensity
10C — ClearNo conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Safe for sensitive readers.
Was our "Gentle" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
7/10High engagement — fast-paced, fun, and hard to put down. Great for reluctant 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
- 9781624036897
- Pages
- 32
- Publisher
- A & D Xtreme, an imprint of ABDO Publishing
- Published
- 2015
- Type
- Nonfiction
- Word Count
- 1,352
- Read-Aloud
- ~9 min
- Text Density
- Picture-Heavy