Perfectly Norman
Tom Percival
Perfectly Norman
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Tom Percival
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.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
I’m going to tell you a secret: Norman was perfectly normal—until one day, he grew wings! Flying high above the clouds is amazing, but what happens when Norman has to hide his special wings? That’s only the beginning of his adventure.
Themes
Quick Assessment
Perfectly Norman is a gentle and uplifting picture book that celebrates individuality and self-acceptance for early readers aged 5-8. The story follows Norman, who grows wings and learns to embrace what makes him unique, addressing themes of diversity and courage in a child-friendly way. The book’s simple yet striking artwork complements its positive message, making it a thoughtful choice for children exploring identity and difference.
Why we rated Perfectly Norman 7LE
Perfectly Norman 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, Perfectly Norman works for readers up to grade 4.0.
We rate Perfectly Norman 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, Perfectly Norman explores friendship, family, coming of age, self-acceptance, and diversity — 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, family, coming of age.
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
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Norman, Speak!
Caroline Adderson
Norman, Speak!
Caroline Adderson
Norman and His Shining Stars
Mary Elizabeth Baker
Norman and His Shining Stars
Mary Elizabeth Baker
Norman Attacks
Kennedy
Norman Attacks
Kennedy
Not Norman
Kelly Bennett
Not Norman
Kelly Bennett
Norman the Knight Gets a Fright
Mark Sperring
Norman the Knight Gets a Fright
Mark Sperring
Looking Out, Looking in Norm's Window
Bess Bouley
Looking Out, Looking in Norm's Window
Bess Bouley
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781408880975
- Pages
- 32
- Publisher
- Bloomsbury Publishing
- Published
- 2017
- Type
- Fiction