Over the top
Dee Phillips
Over the top
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
the story of a soldier
by Dee Phillips
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 mild with minimal sensitive material.
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About This Book
The sharp clang of marching boots echoes through muddy fields, mixing with the distant rumble of thunder. The air smells of damp earth and smoke, carrying stories of bravery and hope from long ago. Feel the weight of history as courage lights the darkest days, but can peace ever truly come?
Themes
Quick Assessment
Over the Top is a historical fiction book geared toward early readers aged 5-8, set during the World Wars. It combines engaging storytelling with factual background spreads to help children understand complex historical events in a manageable way. The book addresses themes of war and bravery sensitively, making it suitable for young readers ready for introductory historical topics.
Why we rated Over the top 7LE
Over the top is written at a Level 2 reading level across 47 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 3.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Over the top works for readers up to grade 4.0.
We rate Over the top as 7LE ("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, Over the top explores historical, world war, campaigns, family, and courage — 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 historical, world war, campaigns.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
7LE — Light — EmotionalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A 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
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781622508754
- Pages
- 47
- Publisher
- M. Evans
- Published
- 2014
- Type
- Fiction