That's What Friends Do
David R. Heape
That's What Friends Do
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by David R. Heape
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.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
Have you ever lost something important and had to search everywhere to find it? Kaitlyn’s shoes are missing, and with her playful puppy by her side, she retraces her day to solve the mystery. But when a surprising discovery awaits her at the park, what will she learn about friendship and what really matters?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This early reader follows Kaitlyn as she embarks on a simple yet meaningful adventure to find her missing shoes. Along the way, children are introduced to themes of friendship, problem-solving, and perspective-taking. Suitable for children ages 5-8, the story offers gentle lessons on social values without any intense content.
Why we rated That's What Friends Do 7C
That's What Friends Do is written at a Level 2 reading level across 28 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 3.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, That's What Friends Do works for readers up to grade 4.0.
We rate That's What Friends Do 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, That's What Friends Do explores friendship, social issues - values, problem-solving, and early childhood — 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 friendship, social issues - values, problem-solving.
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
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 what Friends are for
Valeri Gorbachev
That's what Friends are for
Valeri Gorbachev
Best Friends
Dave Bern
Best Friends
Dave Bern
That's What a Friend Is
P. K. Hallinan
That's What a Friend Is
P. K. Hallinan
That dog!
Nanette Newman
That dog!
Nanette Newman
Best of Friends (Puppy Patrol)
Jenny Dale
Best of Friends (Puppy Patrol)
Jenny Dale
What Is a Friend?
Kiki Stahlberg
What Is a Friend?
Kiki Stahlberg
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781432701772
- Pages
- 28
- Publisher
- Outskirts Press
- Published
- November 17, 2006
- Type
- Fiction