Pip
Jane Harmon
Pip
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Jane Harmon
Illustrated by Ginger Birdsey
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 gentle with no concerning themes.
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About This Book
Pip is the story of a young boy, Jamie, and his dog, Pip, living in Tennessee during the relocation of the Cherokees from Georgia to Oklahoma in the infamous "Trail of Tears." Pip shows how a child views an event that is horrible, and inside knows that it is horrible, but outside hears adults speak of it as a non-event. Jamie learns he can make a difference in the world, but the lesson is a hard one. It is a story about his coming of age. The market for Pip is extensive because of its many layers of content: Native American history, growing up, family relationships, understanding animals, making friends, respect for the environment, the reality and results of violence, the strength of keeping promises made. The idea that we must begin to accept and acknowledge people who are different than we are is a must for childen living in today's global community. The book has sales potential for both schools and public libraries as well as English and history teachers and children and their parents.
Quick Assessment
This is a Level 4-5 book. No notable content concerns flagged. Written for readers ages 9-12.
Why we rated Pip Level 0
Pip is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 178 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Pip works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Pip as Unrated because the content sits in the "Unrated" range — no conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the unrated intensity score.
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.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
Level 0 — UnratedThis book has not yet been rated for content intensity.
Was our "Unrated" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781412085526
- Pages
- 178
- Publisher
- AuthorHouse
- Published
- June 13, 2006
- Type
- Fiction