My Name is COLEN
Steve Skidmore
My Name is COLEN
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Steve Skidmore
Illustrated by Escabasse, Sophie, illustrator
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 mild with minimal sensitive material.
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About This Book
The crunch of dry leaves underfoot and the cool breeze whisper secrets as Becca watches Colen from her window. He stays inside, where shadows and silence seem to hide something important. As she wonders about his quiet world, a feeling stirs—this is more than just a mystery, it’s the start of something unforgettable.
Quick Assessment
This early reader story explores themes of friendship and curiosity through the character of Colen, a boy who keeps to himself under the watchful eye of his strict uncle. Suitable for ages 5-8, the book gently addresses feelings of difference and the desire to connect, using simple language and an accessible narrative. Parents should know it touches on family dynamics and encourages empathy without intense or disturbing content.
Why we rated My Name is COLEN 7LE
My Name is COLEN is written at a Level 2 reading level across 26 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 3.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, My Name is COLEN works for readers up to grade 4.0.
We rate My Name is COLEN as 7LE ("Light — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Mild" range — mild conflict — the kind a child encounters in normal play and sibling life. Across our four dimensions (emotional, physical, social, thematic) the book reads as evenly mild; no single dimension stands out as a concern.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the mild intensity score.
Thematically, My Name is COLEN explores friendship, family, and coming of age — 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 friendship, family, coming of age.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
7LE — Light — EmotionalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781445130705
- Pages
- 26
- Publisher
- Franklin Watts
- Published
- 2014
- Type
- Fiction