Ice
DK Publishing
Ice
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
Cool Stories from a Disappearing World
by DK Publishing
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 mild with minimal sensitive material.
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About This Book
Crunch beneath your boots, the icy wind biting your cheeks as you stand on a frozen mountain peak. Feel the chill of ancient glaciers, watch massive icebergs break free, and hear the whispers of polar explorers who dared to brave these frozen lands. These icy worlds are alive with creatures and stories, but they’re changing fast—what will become of them?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This nonfiction book introduces middle-grade readers to the fascinating world of ice across polar ice caps, mountains, and frozen seas. It explores how animals, plants, and humans survive in these extreme environments while addressing the impact of climate change. The book features vivid illustrations and photography, making it suitable for ages 9-12 with content that is educational and age-appropriate without intense or distressing material.
Why we rated Ice 9LE
Ice is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 160 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Ice works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Ice as 9LE ("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, Ice explores science & nature, environmental conservation & protection, animals, and adventure — 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, environmental conservation & protection, animals.
- ✓ Curious kids who prefer real-world topics over made-up stories.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9LE — 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
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780241363393
- Pages
- 160
- Publisher
- DK Children
- Published
- 2019
- Type
- Nonfiction