Other Side of the Story
Jessica Sarah Gunderson
Other Side of the Story
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Jessica Sarah Gunderson
The text is written at a 7th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is gentle with no concerning themes.
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About This Book
The soft rustle of fairy wings fills the air, but what if those tiny voices have been telling only half the tale? Imagine a world where the so-called 'evil' fairies have a secret story, full of twists and truths you never expected. Listen closely, because understanding their side might change everything you thought you knew.
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade book offers a playful retelling of classic fairy tales from the perspective of misunderstood fairies, encouraging children to explore themes of perspective and critical thinking. Suitable for ages 9-12, it features colorful illustrations and discussion questions that support Common Core standards, making it ideal for both classroom and personal reading. The content is lighthearted and free of mature themes, focusing on empathy and narrative understanding.
Why we rated Other Side of the Story 12LT
Other Side of the Story is written at a Level 7 reading level across 336 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 8.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Other Side of the Story works for readers up to grade 9.0.
We rate Other Side of the Story as 12LT ("Light — Thematic") 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, Other Side of the Story explores friendship, family, humor, adventure, and mystery — 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.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about friendship, family, humor.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers whose emotional readiness lags behind their decoding skills — this book's intensity outruns its reading level, a classic "gifted kid" mismatch.
For Parents
Content Intensity
12LT — Light — ThematicNo conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Safe for sensitive readers.
Was our "Gentle" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
4/10A 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
- 9781479586370
- Pages
- 336
- Publisher
- Capstone
- Published
- 2016
- Type
- Fiction