HootRated mascot HootRated

Free running

Dan Edwardes

Cover of Free running

Free running

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

The Art of Free Running

by Dan Edwardes

Reading Level 2 7C Ages 5-8 Matched

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.

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

About This Book

The crisp morning air buzzes with the rhythmic thump of feet hitting pavement and the whoosh of limbs slicing through space. A group of kids leap, vault, and spin through the city playground like fearless acrobats chasing the wind. Every jump brings a rush of freedom and a smile that stretches from ear to ear.

Themes

AdventureOutdoor recreationFriendshipSports

Quick Assessment

Free Running by Dan Edwardes introduces early readers to the exciting world of parkour and outdoor play through simple, engaging text and vivid illustrations. Perfect for ages 5 to 8, this book encourages physical activity, coordination, and confidence while celebrating friendship and adventure in safe environments. There is no concerning content, making it suitable for young children exploring movement and imagination.

Why we rated Free running 7C

Free running is written at a Level 2 reading level across 32 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 3.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Free running works for readers up to grade 4.0.

We rate Free running as 7C ("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, Free running explores adventure, outdoor recreation, friendship, and sports — 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.
  • Kids drawn to stories about adventure, outdoor recreation, friendship.
  • 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

7C — Clear
Emotional
Clear
Physical
Clear
Social
Clear
Thematic
Clear

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

Data confidence: standard

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

Reading Insights

Hook Factor

3/10

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
2
Emotional Weight
2
Theme Richness
4
World Scope
1
Data Confidence
7

Similar Books

Based on content and theme analysis

See all books like this →

Details

Book Length

32 pages
ISBN
9781846969362
Pages
32
Publisher
TickTock Books
Published
2009
Type
Nonfiction

Genres

Subjects

RunningJumpingAcrobaticsOutdoor RecreationCities and Towns