Tell Me a Story
Josh Kilen
Tell Me a Story
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
A Short Story
by Josh Kilen
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 mild with minimal sensitive material.
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About This Book
What if a spooky vortex appeared right above your neighborhood, and suddenly, the world was filled with mysterious creatures from beyond? Near the Pearl Street Safeway, strange things start happening, and an ancient evil sets its sights on Wilson High School. Can the brave characters stop the darkness before it’s too late?
Quick Assessment
This short fiction story, set in Tacoma, Washington, blends elements of supernatural adventure with lighthearted moments suitable for early readers aged 5 to 8. While it introduces themes of good versus evil and features some suspense, the content is presented in a whimsical manner with minimal intensity. Parents should know it includes mild fantasy peril but no graphic material.
Why we rated Tell Me a Story 8LP
Tell Me a Story is written at a Level 3 reading level across 90 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 4.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Tell Me a Story works for readers up to grade 5.0.
We rate Tell Me a Story as 8LP ("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.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the mild intensity score.
Thematically, Tell Me a Story explores adventure, fantasy world-building, and friendship — 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 adventure, fantasy world-building, friendship.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
8LP — Light — PhysicalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
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
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781466211384
- Pages
- 90
- Publisher
- CreateSpace
- Published
- 2011
- Type
- Fiction