Skateboards
Matthias Kirschner
Skateboards
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
A Tale of Software, Skateboards, and Raspberry Ice Cream
by Matthias Kirschner
The text is written at a 3rd grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for younger children (ages 5–8), and the content is gentle with no concerning themes.
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About This Book
Zangemann is the most famous inventor in the city, with amazing creations everyone wants to own. But when a skateboard hits his shin, everything changes, and he makes a big decision that surprises everyone. Ada, a clever tinkerer, steps in with a smart plan that could change how we all use technology!
Themes
Quick Assessment
This illustrated children's book introduces young readers to the joy of tinkering and the importance of controlling technology through the story of a famous inventor and a curious girl named Ada. Suitable for early readers aged 5-8, it encourages creativity and critical thinking about software use. The story is gentle with no intense conflict, making it appropriate for this age group.
Why we rated Skateboards 8C
Skateboards is written at a Level 3 reading level across 58 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 4.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Skateboards works for readers up to grade 5.0.
We rate Skateboards as 8C ("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, Skateboards explores juvenile literature, friendship, adventure, science & nature, and technology — 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 juvenile literature, friendship, adventure.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
8C — ClearNo conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Safe for sensitive readers.
Was our "Gentle" 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
- 9780817856625
- Pages
- 58
- Publisher
- No Starch Press
- Published
- January 1978
- Type
- Fiction