My side of the story
Kiki Thorpe
My side of the story
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Kiki Thorpe
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
What if the villain in the story isn’t really the villain? Maleficent says she wasn’t cursing baby Aurora, just offering her a chance to learn and work hard at her textile mill. But who’s telling the truth about what really happened?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This early reader book offers a playful retelling of the classic tale of Maleficent and Aurora, presenting the story from Maleficent’s perspective. Geared for ages 5-8, it encourages children to think critically about different viewpoints and the nature of storytelling. The language and themes are appropriate for young readers, with no intense content.
Why we rated My side of the story 7C
My side of the story is written at a Level 2 reading level across 38 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 3.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, My side of the story works for readers up to grade 4.0.
We rate My side of the story 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, My side of the story explores humor, adventure, and friendship — 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 humor, adventure, friendship.
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
- 0786835028
- Pages
- 38
- Publisher
- Disney Press
- Published
- 2004
- Type
- Fiction