The dust of butterfly wings
Eddie Bowman
The dust of butterfly wings
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Eddie Bowman
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 gentle with no concerning themes.
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About This Book
Mighty Bear is eager to become the fastest and strongest runner in his tribe. Guided by his Chief's mysterious wisdom, he sets out on a determined journey to prove himself and unlock his true potential. Along the way, he learns important lessons about strength and perseverance.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This is a Level 4-5 book with gentle content intensity. No notable content concerns flagged. Written for readers ages 9-12.
Why we rated The dust of butterfly wings 9C
The dust of butterfly wings is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 46 pages (approximately 5,154 words). Strong independent readers around grade 5.6 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The dust of butterfly wings works for readers up to grade 6.6.
Read aloud, The dust of butterfly wings takes about 34 minutes, which fits within a single read-aloud session.
We rate The dust of butterfly wings as 9C ("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 dust of butterfly wings explores indigenous culture, determination, and coming of age — 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.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about indigenous culture, determination, coming of age.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers whose emotional readiness lags behind their decoding skills — this book's intensity outruns its reading level, a classic "gifted kid" mismatch.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9C — ClearNo conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Safe for sensitive readers.
Was our "Gentle" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
4/10A 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
- 1567633293
- Pages
- 46
- Publisher
- Bowman Pub.
- Published
- 1997
- Type
- Fiction
- Word Count
- 5,154
- Read-Aloud
- ~34 min
- Text Density
- Light Text