Last licks
Cari Best
Last licks
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
A Spaldeen Story
by Cari Best
The text is written at a 1st 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
Annie swings her Sky High Super Pinkie with all her might—CRACK! The ball soars high, but will the ball collector catch it? Something surprising is about to change everything.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This brightly illustrated early reader follows Annie's love for punchball and how a single spectacular hit leads to an unexpected friendship. Suitable for ages 5-8, the story emphasizes sportsmanship, passion for play, and overcoming rivalry in a fun and accessible way.
Why we rated Last licks 6C
Last licks is written at a Level 1-2 reading level across 40 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 2.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Last licks works for readers up to grade 3.5.
We rate Last licks as 6C ("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, Last licks explores sports, friendship, 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 sports, friendship, family.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
6C — ClearNo conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Safe for sensitive readers.
Was our "Gentle" 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
- 0789425130
- Pages
- 40
- Publisher
- Kids Play
- Published
- 1999
- Type
- Fiction