Listening to crickets
Candice F. Ransom
Listening to crickets
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Candice F. Ransom
The text is written at a 6th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is gentle with no concerning themes.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
Discover the inspiring journey of Rachel Carson, a pioneering marine biologist whose passion for nature led her to challenge the use of harmful pesticides. Follow her story as she blends science and storytelling to change the world and protect the environment for future generations.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This is a Level 6 book with gentle content intensity. No notable content concerns flagged. Written for readers ages 9-12.
Why we rated Listening to crickets 11C
Listening to crickets is written at a Level 6 reading level across 64 pages (approximately 7,387 words). Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Listening to crickets works for readers up to grade 8.0.
Read aloud, Listening to crickets takes about 49 minutes, which fits within a single read-aloud session.
We rate Listening to crickets as 11C ("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, Listening to crickets explores biography, science & nature, environmentalism, and coming of age — 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 biography, science & nature, environmentalism.
- ✓ Curious kids who prefer real-world topics over made-up stories.
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
11C — ClearNo conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Safe for sensitive readers.
Was our "Gentle" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
4/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Crickets
Laura K. Murray
Crickets
Laura K. Murray
Crickets
Emily K. Green
Crickets
Emily K. Green
Cool Crickets
Megan Cooley Peterson
Cool Crickets
Megan Cooley Peterson
The story of Rachel Carson and the environmental movement
Leila Merrell Foster
The story of Rachel Carson and the environmental movement
Leila Merrell Foster
Rachel Carson
Adele Glimm
Rachel Carson
Adele Glimm
Rachel Carson
Nicole K. Orr
Rachel Carson
Nicole K. Orr
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0876147279
- Pages
- 64
- Publisher
- Millbrook Press
- Published
- 1993
- Type
- Nonfiction
- Word Count
- 7,387
- Read-Aloud
- ~49 min
- Text Density
- Light Text