States of Matter
Krista West
States of Matter
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
Gases, Liquids, and Solids
by Krista West
The text is written at a 4th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for teens (ages 13+), and the content is gentle with no concerning themes.
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About This Book
Have you ever wondered what makes water flow or steam rise? Imagine diving into a world where solids, liquids, and gases come alive with surprising secrets. What mysteries will you uncover about the stuff everything is made of?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This engaging book explores the basic science of matter, focusing on gases, liquids, and solids. Aimed at middle-grade readers and young teens, it combines fiction with educational content to make learning about states of matter accessible and interesting. The material is appropriate for ages 9-18 and introduces scientific concepts in a clear and age-appropriate way.
Why we rated States of Matter 9C
States of Matter is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 128 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, States of Matter works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate States of Matter as 9C ("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, States of Matter explores science & nature, matter & materials, states of matter, and juvenile nonfiction — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 13+ 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, matter & materials, states of matter.
- ✓ 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
9C — ClearNo 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
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780791095218
- Pages
- 128
- Publisher
- Facts On File
- Published
- March 30, 2008
- Type
- Nonfiction