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Pride

Rob Sanders

Cover of Pride

Pride

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

The Story of Harvey Milk and the Rainbow Flag

by Rob Sanders

Reading Level 2 7MS Ages 5-8 Heads Up

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 flag flutters high, bright and bold, as crowds cheer all around. Suddenly, a young artist steps forward with a secret about the colors—one that changes everything. What will this reveal mean for everyone watching?

Quick Assessment

This fictionalized story follows the life of the Gay Pride Flag, exploring its origins with activist Harvey Milk and designer Gilbert Baker. Geared toward early readers aged 5-8, the book introduces themes of social activism and diversity through accessible language and engaging illustrations. Parents should note the book sensitively addresses LGBTQ+ representation and social themes appropriate for young children.

Why we rated Pride 7MS

Pride is written at a Level 2 reading level across 48 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 3.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Pride works for readers up to grade 4.0.

We rate Pride as 7MS ("Moderate — Social") because the content sits in the "Mild" range — mild conflict — the kind a child encounters in normal play and sibling life. The strongest signals come from social complexity — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.

No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the mild intensity score.

Thematically, Pride explores lgbtq+ representation, friendship, social justice, and coming of age — 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 lgbtq+ representation, friendship, social justice.

Maybe not for

  • ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.

For Parents

Content Intensity

7MS — Moderate — Social
Emotional
Light
Physical
Clear
Social
Moderate
Thematic
Light

Light conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.

Data confidence: standard

Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?

Reading Insights

Hook Factor

1/10

A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.

Discussion Potential

3/10

A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

Vocabulary Level
2
Emotional Weight
4
Theme Richness
4
World Scope
7
Data Confidence
7

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Details

Book Length

48 pages
ISBN
9780399555329
Pages
48
Publisher
Random House Books for Young Readers
Published
2018
Type
Fiction

Genres

Gay liberation movement

Subjects

PoliticiansGaysCaliforniaGay RightsGay Liberation MovementRainbowsGay PoliticiansGay Pride CelebrationsSymbolismLGBTQ Picture BooksLGBTQ PrideLgbtNonfictionChildrensQueerHistoricalBiography MemoirLgbtq+Rainbow Flag

People

Harvey MilkGilbert BakerGeorge Moscone

Places

United StatesCalifornia