Tessie tames her tongue
Melissa Martin
Tessie tames her tongue
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
A Book about Learning When to Talk and When to Listen
by Melissa Martin
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 gentle with no concerning themes.
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About This Book
Tessie blurts out stories without stopping, filling the room with her chatter. But today, her counselor has a secret trick to help her slow down and really listen. Will Tessie be able to tame her tongue before the next surprise?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This early reader story explores the challenge of managing talkativeness and developing listening skills through the experiences of a young girl named Tessie. Suitable for ages 5-8, it offers practical strategies for children, along with helpful tips for parents and educators to support communication skills. The book gently encourages self-awareness and social development in a relatable, age-appropriate way.
Why we rated Tessie tames her tongue 7C
Tessie tames her tongue is written at a Level 2 reading level across 31 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 3.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Tessie tames her tongue works for readers up to grade 4.0.
We rate Tessie tames her tongue as 7C ("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, Tessie tames her tongue explores listening, friendship, family, and humor — 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 listening, friendship, family.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
7C — ClearNo conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Safe for sensitive readers.
Was our "Gentle" 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
- 9781631981333
- Pages
- 31
- Publisher
- Free Spirit Publishing
- Published
- 2017
- Type
- Fiction