Skye above
Eric Walters
Skye above
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Eric Walters
Illustrated by Parkins, David, illustrator
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.
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About This Book
Did you know Skye dreams of soaring through the sky like a bird? On her trip to Costa Rica, she discovers three magical ways to feel like she’s flying—snorkeling with tiny sea turtles, gliding above the ocean on a parasail, and zooming through the rainforest on a zip line. But that’s only the beginning of her amazing adventure!
Quick Assessment
This early reader follows nine-year-old Skye as she experiences thrilling adventures in Costa Rica that let her live out her dream of flying. Suitable for ages 5 to 8, the story offers gentle excitement through activities like snorkeling, parasailing, and zip-lining, all framed in a positive, family-friendly context. The book encourages imagination and appreciation for nature without any challenging content.
Why we rated Skye above 7C
Skye above is written at a Level 2 reading level across 49 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 3.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Skye above works for readers up to grade 4.0.
We rate Skye above as 7C ("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, Skye above explores flight, adventure, family, nature, and juvenile fiction — 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 flight, adventure, family.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
7C — 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
- 9781459807013
- Pages
- 49
- Publisher
- Orca Book Publishers
- Published
- 2014
- Type
- Fiction