Icarus, the Boy Who Flew Too High
Katie Daynes
Icarus, the Boy Who Flew Too High
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Katie Daynes
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 mild with minimal sensitive material.
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About This Book
Have you ever wondered what would happen if you could fly like a bird? Imagine soaring high above the clouds with wings made of feathers and wax, feeling the warm sun on your face. But what if flying too close to the sun had a dangerous secret?
Quick Assessment
This retelling of the classic Greek myth of Icarus is tailored for early readers aged 5-8, offering a gentle introduction to ancient stories with simple language and engaging illustrations. It explores themes of adventure, curiosity, and the consequences of choices, making it suitable for young children beginning to read independently. Parents should note the story includes the tragic element of Icarus's fall, presented in a sensitive and age-appropriate manner.
Why we rated Icarus, the Boy Who Flew Too High 7LE
Icarus, the Boy Who Flew Too High is written at a Level 2 reading level across 48 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 3.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Icarus, the Boy Who Flew Too High works for readers up to grade 4.0.
We rate Icarus, the Boy Who Flew Too High as 7LE ("Light — Emotional") 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.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the mild intensity score.
Thematically, Icarus, the Boy Who Flew Too High explores children's fiction, greek mythology, adventure, and family — 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 children's fiction, greek mythology, adventure.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
7LE — Light — EmotionalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Was our "Mild" 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
- 9781409596868
- Pages
- 48
- Publisher
- Usborne Publishing Limited
- Published
- 2016
- Type
- Fiction