Princess K. I. M. and the Lie That Grew
Maryann Cocca-Leffler
Princess K. I. M. and the Lie That Grew
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Maryann Cocca-Leffler
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.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
The soft sparkle of a golden tiara catches the light as Kim tiptoes through her new school halls. She whispers a secret that she’s not just Kim, but Princess K.I.M., with a royal family and a queenly grandma. But when everyone wants to see the queen, Kim’s little lie feels heavier than ever, and her heart starts to race.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This early reader tells the story of Kim, a young girl who fabricates a small lie to fit in at her new school, claiming she is a princess. The book gently explores themes of honesty and self-acceptance, making it suitable for children aged 5 to 8. Parents should note the story addresses social challenges and the consequences of dishonesty in a light and age-appropriate manner.
Why we rated Princess K. I. M. and the Lie That Grew 7LE
Princess K. I. M. and the Lie That Grew is written at a Level 2 reading level across 35 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 3.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Princess K. I. M. and the Lie That Grew works for readers up to grade 4.0.
We rate Princess K. I. M. and the Lie That Grew 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, Princess K. I. M. and the Lie That Grew explores self-acceptance, honesty, schools, and friendship — 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 self-acceptance, honesty, schools.
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
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Princess Caitlin's Tiara
Kim Messinger
Princess Caitlin's Tiara
Kim Messinger
Kiara and Her Invisible Crown
Latoya Baldwin
Kiara and Her Invisible Crown
Latoya Baldwin
Starring Sammie--
Helena Pielichaty
Starring Sammie--
Helena Pielichaty
Princess in the Spotlight
Meg Cabot
Princess in the Spotlight
Meg Cabot
Princess Bubble
Kimberly Webb
Princess Bubble
Kimberly Webb
Marvelous Authentic Kind-Hearted Educated and Unique Princess
A. Star
Marvelous Authentic Kind-Hearted Educated and Unique Princess
A. Star
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781504026635
- Pages
- 35
- Publisher
- Albert Whitman & Company
- Published
- 2015
- Type
- Fiction