Scared Is ...
Laura Purdie Salas
Scared Is ...
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Laura Purdie Salas
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 gentle with no concerning themes.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
The quiet rustle of leaves makes your heart skip a beat. A chilly breeze brushes your cheek, and suddenly, you feel something big and strange inside—scared. It’s a feeling that hides in shadows and tickles your tummy, but it’s okay to feel scared sometimes.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This picture book uses vivid photographs and gentle rhymes to explore the feeling of being scared, helping young children identify and understand their emotions. Suitable for early readers ages 5 to 8, it offers a comforting introduction to emotional literacy without any frightening content.
Why we rated Scared Is ... 7LE
Scared Is ... is written at a Level 2 reading level across 24 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 3.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Scared Is ... works for readers up to grade 4.0.
We rate Scared Is ... as 7LE ("Light — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Gentle" range — no conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Across our four dimensions (emotional, physical, social, thematic) the book reads as evenly gentle; no single dimension stands out as a concern.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the gentle intensity score.
Thematically, Scared Is ... weaves together emotions and juvenile literature.
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 emotions, juvenile literature.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
7LE — Light — EmotionalNo conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Safe for sensitive readers.
Was our "Gentle" 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
Scared
Marcia Leonard
Scared
Marcia Leonard
Afraid
Susan Riley
Afraid
Susan Riley
Some Things Are Scary
Florence Parry Heide
Some Things Are Scary
Florence Parry Heide
Scared to Death
Random House Children's Books
Scared to Death
Random House Children's Books
Feeling afraid
Rochelle Nielsen Barsuhn
Feeling afraid
Rochelle Nielsen Barsuhn
I'm not Scared
Maria Stratton-Rice
I'm not Scared
Maria Stratton-Rice
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781429670531
- Pages
- 24
- Publisher
- Capstone Classroom
- Published
- 2011
- Type
- Fiction