Robert lives with his grandparents
Martha Whitmore Hickman
Robert lives with his grandparents
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Martha Whitmore Hickman
The text is written at a 1st 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
Have you ever felt different from everyone else at school? Robert has a secret—he lives with his grandparents ever since his parents got divorced. How will he find the courage to share his story with his classmates?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This gentle fiction book explores the feelings of a young boy, Robert, who lives with his grandparents following his parents' divorce. Aimed at early readers ages 5-8, it thoughtfully addresses family change and the emotions children may experience when their family situation differs from their peers. The story is age-appropriate and offers a supportive perspective on coping with family transitions.
Why we rated Robert lives with his grandparents 6LE
Robert lives with his grandparents is written at a Level 1-2 reading level across 38 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 2.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Robert lives with his grandparents works for readers up to grade 3.5.
We rate Robert lives with his grandparents as 6LE ("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, Robert lives with his grandparents explores family, grandparents, and schools — 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 family, grandparents, schools.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
6LE — 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
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0807570842
- Pages
- 38
- Publisher
- Albert Whitman
- Published
- 1995
- Type
- Fiction