Tango in America (Y)
Steve C. Baldwin
Tango in America (Y)
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
The Story of a Little Green Parrot from Argentina
by Steve C. Baldwin
The text is written at a 4th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for teens (ages 13+), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.
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About This Book
The sharp cry of colorful wings fills the air as Tango, a bright green parrot, flutters free from a cage at bustling Kennedy Airport. The scent of city streets mingles with the wild hope of escape, but her father is lost in the chaos. Now, Tango must soar across a vast and unfamiliar land, driven by love and courage.
Quick Assessment
This novel follows Tango, a young parrot from Argentina, whose family is captured and sold into the pet trade in New York. After a daring escape, Tango embarks on an adventurous journey across North America to find her father. Suitable for teens, the book explores themes of family, survival, and resilience with mild peril and animal-related adventure.
Why we rated Tango in America (Y) 9LP
Tango in America (Y) is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 144 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Tango in America (Y) works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Tango in America (Y) as 9LP ("Light — Physical") because the content sits in the "Mild" range — mild conflict — the kind a child encounters in normal play and sibling life. Across our four dimensions (emotional, physical, social, thematic) the book reads as evenly mild; no single dimension stands out as a concern.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Mild Peril.
Thematically, Tango in America (Y) explores adventure, animals - birds, family, and survival — 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 adventure, animals - birds, family.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9LP — Light — PhysicalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Content Flags
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
2/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780976942702
- Pages
- 144
- Publisher
- Brooklyn Parrots Press
- Published
- May 30, 2005
- Type
- Fiction