One More Try
Blake Brandes
One More Try
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
A Growth Mindset Story about Feeling Lonely
by Blake Brandes
The text is written at a 4th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.
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About This Book
Have you ever felt like you just don’t belong? Gardy the Gargoyle steps beyond her familiar home, searching for friends in places she’s never dared to explore. Will she find the connection she longs for or face more challenges along the way?
Quick Assessment
One More Try is a beautifully illustrated rhyming story that encourages children to embrace growth mindset and resilience. Through Gardy the Gargoyle’s journey to find friendship and belonging, it gently addresses feelings of loneliness and the importance of perseverance. Suitable for ages 9-12, this book offers an uplifting message for children navigating social challenges.
Why we rated One More Try 9LE
One More Try is written at a Level 4-5 reading level. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, One More Try works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate One More Try as 9LE ("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, One More Try explores friendship, coming of age, family, and humor — 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 friendship, coming of age, family.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9LE — 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
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
- ISBN
- 9781737312871
- Publisher
- Motivational Millennial
- Published
- 2024
- Type
- Fiction