McBroom's ear
Sid Fleischman
McBroom's ear
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Sid Fleischman
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
Josh McBroom has the most incredible one-acre farm, and his prize ear of corn is the biggest anyone has ever seen! But when a swarm of grasshoppers declares war, Josh has to use every bit of his cleverness to save his farm. This isn't just any farm story—it's a wild adventure where tall tales come to life!
Quick Assessment
This early reader book tells the humorous and imaginative story of Josh McBroom defending his prized ear of corn against a grasshopper invasion on his small farm. Suitable for ages 5-8, it offers engaging tall tale elements that encourage creativity and an appreciation for farm life. The story is lighthearted with no intense content, making it an excellent choice for young readers developing their skills.
Why we rated McBroom's ear 7C
McBroom's ear is written at a Level 2 reading level across 40 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 3.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, McBroom's ear works for readers up to grade 4.0.
We rate McBroom's ear 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, McBroom's ear explores tall tales, farm life -- fiction, humor, and adventure — 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.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about tall tales, farm life -- fiction, humor.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers looking for something heavier — this is a gentle, low-stakes story by design.
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
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
- 0316285390
- Pages
- 40
- Publisher
- Little Brown
- Published
- 1982
- Type
- Fiction