I'm Trying to Tell You
Bernard Ashley
I'm Trying to Tell You
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Bernard Ashley
Illustrated by Lyn Jones
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 gentle with no concerning themes.
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About This Book
Four kids from Saffin Street School have stories that will surprise you—each one different but all true to their hearts. Their voices mix together to show what school and friendship really mean. What will you learn when you listen to their secrets?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This fiction book features four children from the same class sharing personal stories about themselves and their school life. Written for early readers aged 5-8, it offers accessible narratives that explore friendship and school experiences through multiple perspectives. The book is gentle and suitable for young children without intense content.
Why we rated I'm Trying to Tell You 8C
I'm Trying to Tell You is written at a Level 3 reading level across 80 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 4.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, I'm Trying to Tell You works for readers up to grade 5.0.
We rate I'm Trying to Tell You as 8C ("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, I'm Trying to Tell You explores friendship, family, english literature, and coming of age — 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, english literature.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
8C — ClearNo conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Safe for sensitive readers.
Was our "Gentle" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A 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
- 9780722657256
- Pages
- 80
- Publisher
- Viking
- Published
- April 30, 1981
- Type
- Fiction