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Science is--

Susan V. Bosak

Cover of Science is--

Science is--

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Susan V. Bosak

Reading Level 8 12C Ages 9-12 Sweet Spot

The text is written at a 8th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is gentle with no concerning themes.

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About This Book

The crackle of electricity buzzes in the air as you mix colors and watch tiny explosions of light. Imagine touching the stars with your hands through fun experiments that spark your curiosity. Science is everywhere, alive and waiting for you to explore its wonders.

Themes

Science & NatureAdventureLearningHands-On Activities

Quick Assessment

This middle-grade fiction book introduces children ages 9-12 to the exciting world of science through engaging facts, hands-on projects, and activities. It encourages curiosity and learning in a safe, age-appropriate way, making complex concepts accessible and fun. There is no content of concern, making it suitable for classroom and home use.

Why we rated Science is-- 12C

Science is-- is written at a Level 8 reading level across 515 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 9.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Science is-- works for readers up to grade 10.0.

We rate Science is-- as 12C ("Clear") 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, Science is-- explores science & nature, adventure, learning, and hands-on activities — 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 science & nature, adventure, learning.
  • Curious kids who prefer real-world topics over made-up stories.

Maybe not for

  • ! Readers whose emotional readiness lags behind their decoding skills — this book's intensity outruns its reading level, a classic "gifted kid" mismatch.
  • ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.

For Parents

Content Intensity

12C — Clear
Emotional
Clear
Physical
Clear
Social
Clear
Thematic
Clear

No conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Safe for sensitive readers.

Data confidence: standard

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

Reading Insights

Hook Factor

2/10

A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.

Discussion Potential

1/10

A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

Vocabulary Level
7
Emotional Weight
2
Theme Richness
4
World Scope
1
Data Confidence
7

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Details

Book Length

515 pages
ISBN
9780590740708
Pages
515
Publisher
Richmond Hill, Ont. : Scholastic Canada
Published
1991
Type
Nonfiction

Genres

Subjects

Scientific RecreationsScienceExperimentsStudy and TeachingNatural HistoryOutdoor Books