The Boy Who Stuck Out His Tongue
Edith Tarbescu
The Boy Who Stuck Out His Tongue
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
A Yiddish Folk Tale
by Edith Tarbescu
Illustrated by Judith Christine Mills
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
Here’s a secret about two brave sisters and a special gift from their grandmother—Sabbath candlesticks that hold more power than you might think. These candles light their way through danger as they journey far from home, but that’s only the beginning.
Quick Assessment
This early reader, set within a historical and cultural context, follows two sisters who rely on treasured family heirlooms as they travel from Russia to New York to reunite with their father. Suitable for ages 5-8, the book gently introduces themes of family, heritage, and courage without graphic content, making it a thoughtful choice for young readers.
Why we rated The Boy Who Stuck Out His Tongue 7LE
The Boy Who Stuck Out His Tongue 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, The Boy Who Stuck Out His Tongue works for readers up to grade 4.0.
We rate The Boy Who Stuck Out His Tongue 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.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the mild intensity score.
Thematically, The Boy Who Stuck Out His Tongue explores family, multicultural, coming of age, historical, and adventure — 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 family, multicultural, coming of age.
Maybe not for
- ! 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.
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
2/10A 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
- 9781841480671
- Pages
- 32
- Publisher
- New York : Barefoot Books
- Published
- August 2000
- Type
- Fiction