Reviewed by HootRated editorial · Last updated
The cheetah
Philippe Dupont
The cheetah
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
Fast as Lightning
by Philippe Dupont
Animal Close-Ups (Charlesbridge)
The text is written at a 4th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
Discover the thrilling world of African cheetahs as they navigate the challenges of family life and the struggle to survive in the wild. Follow their swift movements, fierce instincts, and close bonds in an exciting adventure full of nature's wonders.
Quick Assessment
This is a Level 4-5 book with mild content intensity. Content themes include mild peril. Written for readers ages 9-12.
Why we rated The cheetah 9LP
The cheetah is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 26 pages (approximately 1,257 words). Strong independent readers around grade 5.4 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The cheetah works for readers up to grade 6.4.
Read aloud, The cheetah takes about 8 minutes, which fits within a single read-aloud session.
We rate The cheetah as 9LP ("Light — Physical") 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: Mild Peril.
Thematically, The cheetah explores animals, family, survival, and nature — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 9-12 range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Reluctant readers who need fast-paced, hook-heavy stories to stay engaged.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about animals, family, survival.
- ✓ Readers who fall hard for one book and want a long series to live in — there is one more book in the Animal Close-Ups (Charlesbridge) series.
- ✓ Curious kids who prefer real-world topics over made-up stories.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers looking for something heavier — this is a gentle, low-stakes story by design.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9LP — Light — PhysicalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Content Flags
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
7/10High engagement — fast-paced, fun, and hard to put down. Great for reluctant readers.
Discussion Potential
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
More in the Animal Close-Ups (Charlesbridge) Series
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Cheetah
Natalie Lunis
Cheetah
Natalie Lunis
Cheetah
Matthew K. Manning
Cheetah
Matthew K. Manning
Cheetahs
John Becker
Cheetahs
John Becker
Chasing Cheetahs: The Race to Save Africa's Fastest Cat (Scientists in the Field Series)
Sy Montgomery
Chasing Cheetahs: The Race to Save Africa's Fastest Cat (Scientists in the Field Series)
Sy Montgomery
The Cheetah (Animal Close-Ups)
Philippe Dupont
The Cheetah (Animal Close-Ups)
Philippe Dupont
Cheetahs
Elizabeth Vogel
Cheetahs
Elizabeth Vogel
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0881064254
- Pages
- 26
- Publisher
- Charlesbridge Publishing
- Published
- 1992
- Type
- Nonfiction
- Word Count
- 1,257
- Read-Aloud
- ~8 min
- Text Density
- Picture-Heavy