Tastes Like Music
Maria Birmingham
Tastes Like Music
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
17 Quirks of the Brain and Body
by Maria Birmingham
The text is written at a 2nd grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for younger children (ages 5–8), 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
A girl tastes music and can’t believe what she’s feeling! Suddenly, she’s meeting others who experience the world in totally different ways. But what will happen when she discovers she’s not alone?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This early reader explores various neurological differences by sharing stories of children with unique brain functions and sensory experiences. It introduces young readers to neurodiversity in an accessible way, highlighting acceptance and understanding. Suitable for ages 5-8, the book gently touches on psychological and nervous system topics without overwhelming detail.
Why we rated Tastes Like Music 7LE
Tastes Like Music is written at a Level 2 reading level across 40 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 3.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Tastes Like Music works for readers up to grade 4.0.
We rate Tastes Like Music as 7LE ("Light — Emotional") 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.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the mild intensity score.
Thematically, Tastes Like Music explores neurodivergent characters, psychology, friendship, and self-discovery — 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 neurodivergent characters, psychology, friendship.
- ✓ 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
7LE — 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
Taste
María Rius
Taste
María Rius
Taste (The Five Senses)
Maria Rius
Taste (The Five Senses)
Maria Rius
Taste (Five Senses)
Maria Rius
Taste (Five Senses)
Maria Rius
Tasting
Helen Frost
Tasting
Helen Frost
What I Taste
Alex Appleby
What I Taste
Alex Appleby
Tasting
Sharon Gordon
Tasting
Sharon Gordon
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781771470100
- Pages
- 40
- Publisher
- Owlkids
- Published
- 2016
- Type
- Nonfiction