On Account of the Gum
Adam Rex
On Account of the Gum
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Adam Rex
The text is written at a 3rd 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 a piece of gum got stuck in your hair and no one could get it out? Imagine trying every silly and crazy idea to fix the sticky problem, but nothing works! How far would you go to solve the mess?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This humorous early reader explores the funny and imaginative attempts a child makes to remove gum stuck in their hair. Suitable for ages 5-8, it encourages creativity and problem-solving while delivering lighthearted social themes about new experiences. The content is gentle and appropriate for young children.
Why we rated On Account of the Gum 8C
On Account of the Gum is written at a Level 3 reading level across 56 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 4.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, On Account of the Gum works for readers up to grade 5.0.
We rate On Account of the Gum as 8C ("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, On Account of the Gum explores humor, new experience, and social themes — 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 humor, new experience, social themes.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
8C — 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
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781452181547
- Pages
- 56
- Publisher
- Chronicle Books
- Published
- 2020
- Type
- Fiction