The bison
Carl R. Green
The bison
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Carl R. Green
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
The thunder of hooves shakes the ground as a massive bison charges across the open plains. Suddenly, danger looms over the herd—will they survive what’s coming next?
Quick Assessment
This early reader introduces children ages 5-8 to the American bison, exploring its life before near extinction and the critical conservation efforts that helped save this majestic animal. The story combines fiction with educational facts, making it an accessible way for young readers to learn about wildlife and environmental preservation.
Why we rated The bison 7C
The bison is written at a Level 2 reading level across 47 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 3.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The bison works for readers up to grade 4.0.
We rate The bison 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, The bison explores science & nature, adventure, 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 science & nature, adventure, friendship.
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
- 0896862755
- Pages
- 47
- Publisher
- Crestwood House
- Published
- 1985
- Type
- Fiction