Giving Thanks with Max
Todd Courtney
Giving Thanks with Max
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Todd Courtney
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.
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About This Book
Max is busy noticing the bright flowers and listening to the chirping birds all around him. He smiles wide as he thinks about his friends and family, but what surprising thing will Max be thankful for next?
Quick Assessment
This early reader uses engaging rhymes to teach children the value of gratitude and appreciation for the world around them. Suitable for ages 5-8, it encourages positive self-esteem and core values through accessible language and relatable examples. The book is gentle and supportive, with no content concerns for young readers.
Why we rated Giving Thanks with Max 7LE
Giving Thanks with Max 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, Giving Thanks with Max works for readers up to grade 4.0.
We rate Giving Thanks with Max as 7LE ("Light — Emotional") 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, Giving Thanks with Max explores friendship, family, coming of age, 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, coming of age.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
7LE — Light — EmotionalNo 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
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781945200212
- Pages
- 32
- Publisher
- Clovercroft Publishing
- Published
- 2018
- Type
- Fiction