Noses are red
Richard Scrimger
Noses are red
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Richard Scrimger
The text is written at a 6th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
Have you ever been stuck on a camping trip with someone you really don’t like? Alan is trapped in the woods with bugs, bears, and his mom’s new boyfriend Christopher! But when danger strikes, can Norbert, the alien from Jupiter, save the day?
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade science fiction adventure follows Alan as he faces an uncomfortable camping trip with his mother’s new boyfriend and his friend Victor. Packed with humor and mild peril, the story touches on friendship and teamwork while navigating the challenges of the great outdoors. Suitable for ages 9-12, it offers light suspense without intense violence or mature themes.
Why we rated Noses are red 11LE
Noses are red is written at a Level 6 reading level across 203 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Noses are red works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Noses are red as 11LE ("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, Noses are red explores science & nature, adventure, fantasy world-building, and friendship — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 9-12 range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about science & nature, adventure, fantasy world-building.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11LE — Light — EmotionalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
2/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Nose Knows
Ellen Weiss
Nose Knows
Ellen Weiss
Stinker from space
Pamela F. Service
Stinker from space
Pamela F. Service
Aliens!
Nathan Aaseng
Aliens!
Nathan Aaseng
Dan vs. Nature
Don Calame
Dan vs. Nature
Don Calame
Aliens
Mark Verheiden
Aliens
Mark Verheiden
Nose
Jenny Vanvoorst
Nose
Jenny Vanvoorst
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780887766107
- Pages
- 203
- Publisher
- Tundra Books (NY)
- Published
- 2002
- Type
- Fiction