Friday the 13th from the Black Lagoon
Mike Thaler
Friday the 13th from the Black Lagoon
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Mike Thaler
The text is written at a 3rd 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
Here's a secret: Hubie is planning a birthday party on a day some people say is unlucky—Friday the 13th. But what if luck isn’t what it seems? That’s only the beginning of Hubie's surprising adventure.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This early reader story follows Hubie as he nervously prepares for his birthday party, which falls on the traditionally unlucky Friday the 13th. Suitable for ages 5-8, the book gently explores themes of superstition and luck without any frightening content, making it a light and reassuring read for young children.
Why we rated Friday the 13th from the Black Lagoon 8C
Friday the 13th from the Black Lagoon is written at a Level 3 reading level across 64 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 4.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Friday the 13th from the Black Lagoon works for readers up to grade 5.0.
We rate Friday the 13th from the Black Lagoon as 8C ("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, Friday the 13th from the Black Lagoon explores friendship, family, luck, and humor — 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 friendship, family, luck.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
8C — ClearNo conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Safe for sensitive readers.
Was our "Gentle" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
2/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
The Little League Team from the Black Lagoon
Mike Thaler
The Little League Team from the Black Lagoon
Mike Thaler
Summer Camp from the Black Lagoon
Mike Thaler
Summer Camp from the Black Lagoon
Mike Thaler
The Teacher from the Black Lagoon
Mike Thaler
The Teacher from the Black Lagoon
Mike Thaler
The school play from the black lagoon
Mike Thaler
The school play from the black lagoon
Mike Thaler
The Christmas party from the Black Lagoon
Mike Thaler
The Christmas party from the Black Lagoon
Mike Thaler
St. Patrick's Day from the Black Lagoon
Mike Thaler
St. Patrick's Day from the Black Lagoon
Mike Thaler
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781614796046
- Pages
- 64
- Publisher
- Chapter Books
- Published
- 2017
- Type
- Fiction