Grasshoppers and mantids of the world
Ken Preston-Mafham
Grasshoppers and mantids of the world
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Ken Preston-Mafham
The text is written at a 4th 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
Grasshoppers and mantids are some of the most colorful and fascinating insects on Earth, and this book reveals their secret lives like never before. With over 200 real photos from around the world, you’ll see how these incredible creatures behave in their natural homes—and why they matter to the whole planet.
Quick Assessment
This nonfiction book offers an engaging introduction to grasshoppers, mantids, and related insects for children ages 9 to 12. It provides clear, jargon-free explanations of their physiology, classification, and life cycles, focusing especially on their behaviors. The vivid photography from 24 countries enhances learning, making it a great resource for curious young readers interested in nature and science.
Why we rated Grasshoppers and mantids of the world 9C
Grasshoppers and mantids of the world is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 192 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Grasshoppers and mantids of the world works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Grasshoppers and mantids of the world as 9C ("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, Grasshoppers and mantids of the world explores science & nature, adventure, and multicultural — 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 science & nature, adventure, multicultural.
- ✓ 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.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9C — 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
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0713721480
- Pages
- 192
- Publisher
- Blandford
- Published
- 1990
- Type
- Nonfiction