Not So Very Far Away
Lisa Smith
Not So Very Far Away
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Lisa Smith
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
The playground buzzes as Mia spots her best friend waving from across the field. She races toward her, but suddenly, a loud noise stops her in her tracks. What could it be?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This gentle story explores the enduring nature of friendship, showing young readers that true friends remain close at heart even when they are physically apart. Suitable for early readers aged 5 to 8, it addresses social themes with warmth and simplicity, making it ideal for children in grades 1 and 2.
Why we rated Not So Very Far Away 7LE
Not So Very Far Away is written at a Level 2 reading level across 32 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 3.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Not So Very Far Away works for readers up to grade 4.0.
We rate Not So Very Far Away as 7LE ("Light — Emotional") 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, Not So Very Far Away explores friendship, social situations, 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 friendship, social situations, family.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
7LE — Light — EmotionalNo conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Safe for sensitive readers.
Was our "Gentle" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A 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
- 9781552784488
- Pages
- 32
- Publisher
- McArthur
- Published
- April 25, 2005
- Type
- Fiction