Tarra and Bella
Carol Buckley
Tarra and Bella
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
The Elephant and Dog Who Became Best Friends
by Carol Buckley
The text is written at a 6th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
What if the best friendship you ever had was with someone completely different from you? Imagine an enormous elephant named Tarra who lives all alone until a scrappy stray dog named Bella wanders into her life. Their bond is so strong, it changes everything—especially when Bella gets hurt and Tarra refuses to leave her side.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fiction book tells the heartwarming story of Tarra, an Asiatic elephant living at a sanctuary in Tennessee, and Bella, a stray mixed-breed dog. It explores themes of unlikely friendships and animal social behavior, enhanced by vivid color photographs. Suitable for ages 9-12, the book provides a gentle, inspiring look at companionship and resilience, with educational notes about the Elephant Sanctuary.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11LE — Light — EmotionalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Was our "Mild" 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
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Bella Finds a Friend
kathleen lynch
Bella Finds a Friend
kathleen lynch
The elephant in the dark
Carol Carrick
The elephant in the dark
Carol Carrick
Bats, cats, and sacred cows
Tamara Wilcox
Bats, cats, and sacred cows
Tamara Wilcox
Tua and the elephant
R. P. Harris
Tua and the elephant
R. P. Harris
Bramble and Berry (Best Friends)
Jenny Dale
Bramble and Berry (Best Friends)
Jenny Dale
Unusual Friendships
Larry Dane Brimner
Unusual Friendships
Larry Dane Brimner
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780399254437
- Pages
- 32
- Publisher
- National Geographic Books
- Published
- 2010
- Type
- Fiction
- Lexile
- 990L