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Matthew and his dad

Arlene Alda

Cover of Matthew and his dad

Matthew and his dad

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Arlene Alda

Reading Level 1-2 Unrated Ages 5-8

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

With his father looking for work, Matthew finds that his relationship with him is disrupted in many ways.

Quick Assessment

This is a Level 1-2 book. No notable content concerns flagged. Written for readers ages 5-8.

Why we rated Matthew and his dad Level 0

Matthew and his dad is written at a Level 1-2 reading level across 44 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 2.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Matthew and his dad works for readers up to grade 3.5.

We rate Matthew and his dad as Unrated because the content sits in the "Unrated" range — no conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences.

No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the unrated intensity score.

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.

Maybe not for

  • ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.

For Parents

Content Intensity

Level 0 — Unrated
Gentle Mild Moderate Intense Very Intense

This book has not yet been rated for content intensity.

Data confidence: standard

Was our "Unrated" content intensity rating accurate for this book?

Reading Insights

Hook Factor

1/10

A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.

Discussion Potential

1/10

A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

Vocabulary Level
1
Theme Richness
1
World Scope
1
Data Confidence
4

Details

Book Length

44 pages
ISBN
0671451588
Pages
44
Publisher
Atheneum Books for Young Readers
Published
1983
Type
Fiction

Genres

Subjects

Fathers and SonsFathersEmployment