It's Not My Fault
Marilyn Lashbrook
It's Not My Fault
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
Man's Big Mistake
by Marilyn Lashbrook
Illustrated by Chris Sharp
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 gentle with no concerning themes.
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About This Book
What if you lived in a beautiful garden where everything was perfect—until one day, a tricky choice changes everything? Imagine discovering what happens when someone says, "It's not my fault," but the truth is much bigger than that. Can you handle the surprise that comes with a very important secret?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This early reader retells the biblical story of Adam and Eve's temptation in the Garden of Eden, aimed at children ages 5-8. The story introduces young readers to a foundational religious narrative in an accessible way appropriate for early grade levels. Parents should know it gently explores themes of choice, responsibility, and consequences within a familiar faith context.
Why we rated It's Not My Fault 7C
It's Not My Fault is written at a Level 2 reading level across 32 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 3.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, It's Not My Fault works for readers up to grade 4.0.
We rate It's Not My Fault as 7C ("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, It's Not My Fault explores religion - biblical stories, family, and identity & self-discovery — 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 religion - biblical stories, family, identity & self-discovery.
- ✓ 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
7C — 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
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780933657786
- Pages
- 32
- Publisher
- Rainbow Studies International
- Published
- December 1996
- Type
- Nonfiction