Project friendship
Laurie Calkhoven
Project friendship
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Laurie Calkhoven
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 mild with minimal sensitive material.
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About This Book
The buzz of chatter fills the air as you set up your science project table, the smooth surface cool beneath your fingers. Excitement bubbles up—this is your chance to shine with your friends, but then a sudden disagreement sparks. Can you find the courage to speak your truth and steer your project toward success?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This interactive middle-grade book invites children to engage with a relatable story about friendship and self-confidence, centered around a science fair project. With over 20 different endings and an online component for extended play, it encourages decision-making and critical thinking. Suitable for ages 9 to 12, it handles themes of cooperation and standing up for oneself in an age-appropriate manner.
Why we rated Project friendship 9LE
Project friendship is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 119 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Project friendship works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Project friendship as 9LE ("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, Project friendship explores friendship, self-confidence, juvenile fiction, and adventure — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
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.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about friendship, self-confidence, juvenile fiction.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9LE — Light — EmotionalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
2/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781609581701
- Pages
- 119
- Publisher
- American Girl Publishing Incorporated
- Published
- 2013
- Type
- Fiction