That is that
Jeanne Whitehouse Peterson
That is that
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Jeanne Whitehouse Peterson
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.
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About This Book
What happens when someone you love has to leave? Emma Rose and Meko find special ways to keep their dad close in their hearts, even when he’s not at home. But how will they learn to feel whole again?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This gentle fiction book explores the emotions of young children coping with a single-parent family situation after their father leaves. Designed for early readers aged 5-8, it sensitively addresses themes of loss and family change without heavy conflict. Parents can expect a warm story that supports understanding and emotional resilience.
Why we rated That is that 7LE
That is that is written at a Level 2 reading level across 32 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 3.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, That is that works for readers up to grade 4.0.
We rate That is that 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.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Divorce & Family Change, Loss & Grief.
Thematically, That is that explores single-parent families, family, and emotional resilience — 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.
- ✓ Readers ready to talk through themes after they finish — there's enough substance for a meaningful conversation.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about single-parent families, family, emotional resilience.
Maybe not for
- ! Children currently coping with grief — the themes may hit close to home.
- ! 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.
Content Flags
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
4/10Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0060247088
- Pages
- 32
- Publisher
- HarperCollins Publishers
- Published
- 1979
- Type
- Fiction