Following the Rainbow (Dolphin Diaries #7)

Jean Little

Following the Rainbow (Dolphin Diaries #7)

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Jean Little

Illustrated by Judith Lawton

Reading Level 5 10LP Ages 9-12 Balanced Read

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 mild with minimal sensitive material.

Buy on Amazon Listen on Audible

We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.

About This Book

What if you could swim alongside the biggest dolphins in the world? Imagine exploring the sparkling waters around the Canary Islands, where Jody meets these magnificent creatures. But when speeding ferries threaten their safety, will Jody find a way to protect them before it's too late?

Themes

AdventureAnimals - Marine LifeFriendshipConservation

Quick Assessment

This middle-grade adventure follows Jody as she encounters the largest dolphin species in the world around the Canary Islands. Amid thrilling marine exploration, the story raises awareness about wildlife conservation, particularly the dangers posed by fast-moving ferries. Suitable for ages 9-12, it offers an engaging blend of action and environmental themes without intense conflict.

Why we rated Following the Rainbow (Dolphin Diaries #7) 10LP

Following the Rainbow (Dolphin Diaries #7) is written at a Level 5 reading level. Strong independent readers around grade 6.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Following the Rainbow (Dolphin Diaries #7) works for readers up to grade 7.0.

We rate Following the Rainbow (Dolphin Diaries #7) as 10LP ("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, Following the Rainbow (Dolphin Diaries #7) explores adventure, animals - marine life, friendship, and conservation — 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 adventure, animals - marine life, friendship.

Maybe not for

! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.

For Parents

Content Intensity

10LP — Light — Physical

Emotional

Clear

Physical

Light ←

Social

Clear

Thematic

Clear

Light conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.

Content Flags

Mild Peril

Data confidence: standard

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

Reading Insights

Hook Factor

2/10

A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.

Discussion Potential

1/10

A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

Vocabulary Level

Emotional Weight

Theme Richness

World Scope

Data Confidence

Similar Books

Based on content and theme analysis

Following the Rainbow (Dolphin Diaries #7)

Jean Little