Tell it like it is
Karle Dickerson
Tell it like it is
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
What Girls Say, what Boys Say
by Karle Dickerson
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.
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About This Book
Have you ever wondered what makes you, YOU? Imagine six kids—three boys and three girls—sharing their stories, dreams, and secrets about their lives. What will you discover about their worlds?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This early reader book features six children, three boys and three girls, who respond to questions about their lives, offering young readers relatable perspectives. Suitable for ages 5 to 8, it introduces social science concepts through simple narratives, fostering empathy and understanding without any intense content.
Why we rated Tell it like it is 8C
Tell it like it is is written at a Level 3 reading level across 96 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 4.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Tell it like it is works for readers up to grade 5.0.
We rate Tell it like it is 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, Tell it like it is explores social science, children's studies, friendship, and family — 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 social science, children's studies, 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
8C — ClearNo conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Safe for sensitive readers.
Was our "Gentle" 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
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780439161145
- Pages
- 96
- Publisher
- Scholastic
- Published
- 2000
- Type
- Nonfiction