Sukey and the Mermaid (Aladdin Picture Books)
Robert D. San Souci
Sukey and the Mermaid (Aladdin Picture Books)
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Robert D. San Souci
Illustrated by Brian Pinkney
The text is written at a 2nd grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for younger children (ages 5–8), and the content has moderate intensity with some emotionally heavy themes.
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About This Book
The salty breeze tickles your nose and the waves whisper secrets as Sukey's tears splash into the sea. Beneath the shimmering surface, a kind mermaid with sparkling eyes invites her to a magical world where pain and time disappear. But even in this underwater paradise, Sukey's heart yearns for home.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This beautifully illustrated folktale inspired by African-American traditions tells the story of Sukey, a young girl burdened by hardship and a difficult home life. When a gentle mermaid rescues her to an underwater sanctuary, Sukey must decide between escape and facing her reality. Suitable for early readers ages 5-8, it explores themes of family struggle, hope, and resilience in a sensitive manner.
Why we rated Sukey and the Mermaid (Aladdin Picture Books) 7ME
Sukey and the Mermaid (Aladdin Picture Books) is written at a Level 2 reading level across 32 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 3.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Sukey and the Mermaid (Aladdin Picture Books) works for readers up to grade 4.0.
We rate Sukey and the Mermaid (Aladdin Picture Books) as 7ME ("Moderate — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Moderate" range — moderate conflict that may involve loss, scary scenes, or interpersonal stakes. The strongest signals come from emotional weight, social complexity — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Emotional: Fear & Anxiety, Emotional: Loneliness, Emotional: Family Change, Social: Substance Use.
Thematically, Sukey and the Mermaid (Aladdin Picture Books) explores mermaids, fairy tales & folklore, family, emotional resilience, and african-american culture — 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 mermaids, fairy tales & folklore, family.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers who get easily upset by emotional or moderately dark scenes — the conflict here is real, not just background flavor.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
7ME — Moderate — EmotionalReal stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.
Content Flags
Was our "Moderate" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780689807183
- Pages
- 32
- Publisher
- Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers
- Published
- May 1, 1996
- Type
- Fiction