Ivy + Bean
Annie Barrows
Ivy + Bean
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
Bound to be bad
by Annie Barrows
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 gentle with no concerning themes.
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About This Book
The sticky sweetness of syrup drips from Bean’s fingers as the morning chaos whirls around her. Outside, the crunch of leaves and the whisper of secrets stir the air, pulling Ivy and Bean into a wild plan to be the kindest kids ever — so kind, even the wild animals might follow them home. But kindness leads them into muddy messes and unexpected trouble, making them wonder if being good is really worth it.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fiction follows Ivy and Bean, two spirited friends who set out to prove that being good can attract wild animals and goodwill. The story explores themes of friendship, behavior, and childhood antics with humor and warmth suitable for ages 9-12. Parents should note the book includes light mischief and consequences, all handled in a playful and relatable way.
Why we rated Ivy + Bean 9C
Ivy + Bean is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 120 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Ivy + Bean works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Ivy + Bean as 9C ("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, Ivy + Bean explores friendship, family, humor, adventure, and juvenile fiction — 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.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about friendship, family, humor.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers whose emotional readiness lags behind their decoding skills — this book's intensity outruns its reading level, a classic "gifted kid" mismatch.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9C — ClearNo conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Safe for sensitive readers.
Was our "Gentle" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
3/10A 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
- 9780811868570
- Pages
- 120
- Publisher
- Chronicle Books
- Published
- 2009
- Type
- Fiction