Reviewed by HootRated editorial · Last updated
High Tide in Hawaii
Mary Pope Osborne
Stepping Stone; Magic Tree House
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 mild with minimal sensitive material. Its HootRating code, LP, means mild content, mostly physical.
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About This Book
Jack and Annie zoom back in time to a Hawaiian island where they befriend locals, try out surfing, and face the power of a giant tsunami. Their exciting adventure teaches them about nature and the importance of courage. Perfect for young explorers eager to discover history and friendship.
Quick Assessment
This is a Level 3-4 book with mild content intensity. Content themes include mild peril, fantasy violence. Written for readers ages 5-8.
Why we rated High Tide in Hawaii LP (Mild)
High Tide in Hawaii is written at a Level 3-4 reading level across 73 pages (approximately 6,222 words). Reading-wise, most kids in grade 4 and up can manage High Tide in Hawaii on their own; younger readers can enjoy it with a parent or teacher reading along.
Read aloud, High Tide in Hawaii takes about 41 minutes, which fits within a single read-aloud session.
We rate High Tide in Hawaii as LP (Mild, mostly 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, Fantasy Violence.
Thematically, High Tide in Hawaii explores adventure, family, friendship, magic, and historical — 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.
- ✓ Reluctant readers who need fast-paced, hook-heavy stories to stay engaged.
- ✓ Readers ready to talk through themes after they finish — there's enough substance for a meaningful conversation.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about adventure, family, friendship.
- ✓ Readers who fall hard for one book and want a long series to live in — there are 10 more books in the Stepping Stone; Magic Tree House series.
Maybe not for
- ! Children who are sensitive to violence, even when handled at age-appropriate levels.
For Parents
Content Intensity
LP · Mild · PhysicalReading the HootRating code: the first letter is the content intensity (C = Gentle · L = Mild · M = Moderate · I = Intense · V = Very Intense); the second, when there is one, is the kind of content that drives it (E = Emotional · P = Physical · S = Social · T = Thematic). Reading level and age range are rated separately. How we rate
Light conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Content Flags
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
8/10High engagement — fast-paced, fun, and hard to put down. Great for reluctant readers.
Discussion Potential
4/10Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
More in the Stepping Stone; Magic Tree House Series
Stage fright on a summer night
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Stage fright on a summer night
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Magic Tree House Revolutionary War on Wednesday
Magic Tree House Revolutionary War on Wednesday
Mummies in the Morning
Mummies in the Morning
Pirates past noon
Pirates past noon
Night of the Ninjas
Mary Pope Osborne
Night of the Ninjas
Mary Pope Osborne
Lions at Lunchtime
Mary Pope Osborne
Lions at Lunchtime
Mary Pope Osborne
Day of the Dragon King
Mary Pope Osborne
Day of the Dragon King
Mary Pope Osborne
Dingoes at Dinnertime
Mary Pope Osborne
Dingoes at Dinnertime
Mary Pope Osborne
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780375906169
- Pages
- 73
- Publisher
- Random House Books for Young Readers
- Published
- 2003
- Type
- Fiction
- Word Count
- 6,222
- Read-Aloud
- ~41 min
- Text Density
- Light Text