HootRated mascot HootRated

Suzanne de Passe

Mark Mussari

Cover of Suzanne de Passe

Suzanne de Passe

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

Motown's Boss Lady

by Mark Mussari

Reading Level 3 8C Ages 5-8 Balanced Read

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.

We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.

About This Book

The rhythmic beat of Motown music fills the air, sparking excitement and dreams of stardom. Imagine a young girl with a spark in her eye, ready to change the world of music and movies forever. Her journey is full of hard work, bright lights, and a passion that never fades.

Themes

BiographyMusic & EntertainmentLeadershipInspiration

Quick Assessment

This biography introduces young readers ages 5-8 to Suzanne de Passe, a pioneering figure in the music and entertainment industry. It highlights her determination and achievements as president of Motown Productions, making it an inspiring story about leadership and creativity. The book is appropriate for early readers and contains no intense content.

Why we rated Suzanne de Passe 8C

Suzanne de Passe is written at a Level 3 reading level across 64 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 4.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Suzanne de Passe works for readers up to grade 5.0.

We rate Suzanne de Passe 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, Suzanne de Passe explores biography, music & entertainment, leadership, and inspiration — 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 biography, music & entertainment, leadership.
  • Curious kids who prefer real-world topics over made-up stories.

Maybe not for

  • ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.

For Parents

Content Intensity

8C — 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

1/10

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
2
Emotional Weight
2
Theme Richness
4
World Scope
3
Data Confidence
7

Similar Books

Based on content and theme analysis

See all books like this →

Details

Book Length

64 pages
ISBN
9781560740261
Pages
64
Publisher
Garrett Educational
Published
1992
Type
Nonfiction

Genres

Subjects

De Passe, Suzanne, 1947-Gordy, BerryMotown Record CorporationSound Recording Executives and ProducersUnited StatesBusinesswomenSound Recording IndustryProducers and DirectorsAfrican Americans

People

Suzanne De Passe (1947-)Berry Gordy

Places

United States