Molasses flood
Blair Lent
Molasses flood
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Blair Lent
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
Molasses splashes everywhere as a giant tank bursts right outside Charley’s window! The sticky flood rushes through the streets, carrying Charley’s house along for a wild ride. Where will the molasses take them next?
Quick Assessment
This fictional story captures a dramatic moment when a molasses tank explodes in Boston, sweeping a house through the town. Written for early readers (ages 5-8), it combines historical setting with imaginative adventure. The book presents a light depiction of an unusual event without distressing content.
Why we rated Molasses flood 6C
Molasses flood is written at a Level 1-2 reading level across 26 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 2.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Molasses flood works for readers up to grade 3.5.
We rate Molasses flood 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, Molasses flood explores adventure, historical, 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 adventure, historical, 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
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0395453143
- Pages
- 26
- Publisher
- Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
- Published
- 1992
- Type
- Fiction