That's not fair
Jane Sarnoff
That's not fair
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Jane Sarnoff
The text is written at a 1st grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for younger children (ages 5–8), and the content is gentle with no concerning themes.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
Here's a secret: Becky believes her big brother Bert always gets the best stuff in their family. She thinks, "That's not fair!" But what happens next might surprise you—this is just the start of their story.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This early reader book explores sibling relationships and the feeling of unfairness through the eyes of Becky, a young girl who feels her older brother gets the best of everything. Suitable for children ages 5 to 8, it gently introduces themes of family dynamics and fairness in a simple, accessible way.
Why we rated That's not fair 6LE
That's not fair is written at a Level 1-2 reading level across 32 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 2.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, That's not fair works for readers up to grade 3.5.
We rate That's not fair as 6LE ("Light — Emotional") 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, That's not fair centers on family.
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 family.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
6LE — Light — EmotionalNo 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
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
That's not fair
Gina Mayer
That's not fair
Gina Mayer
It's not fair
Amy Krouse Rosenthal
It's not fair
Amy Krouse Rosenthal
That's not fair
Gina Mayer
That's not fair
Gina Mayer
It isn't fair!
Stanley D. Klein, Maxwell J. Schleifer
It isn't fair!
Stanley D. Klein, Maxwell J. Schleifer
It's Not Fair!
Anita Harper
It's Not Fair!
Anita Harper
That's Not Fair! (Tough Stuff for Kids)
Dawn Siegrist Waltman
That's Not Fair! (Tough Stuff for Kids)
Dawn Siegrist Waltman
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 068416714X
- Pages
- 32
- Publisher
- Scribner Book Company
- Published
- 1980
- Type
- Fiction