The fix-it man
Susan Hood
The fix-it man
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Susan Hood
Illustrated by Chung, Arree, illustrator
The text is written at a 1st 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
Joshua James is knee-deep in a pile of broken toys and creaky gadgets, his toolbox spilling open everywhere. Suddenly, Sophie spots something stinky and points—what could it be? Just as Joshua reaches for his wrench, a surprising twist changes everything.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This rhyming story features Joshua James, a young fixer with a knack for solving problems, joined by his sister Sophie in a humorous adventure. Designed for early readers ages 5 to 8, it encourages creativity and teamwork through playful language and vibrant illustrations. The content is light and suitable for young children, with an emphasis on problem-solving and sibling cooperation.
Why we rated The fix-it man 6C
The fix-it man is written at a Level 1-2 reading level across 40 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 2.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The fix-it man works for readers up to grade 3.5.
We rate The fix-it man as 6C ("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 fix-it man explores humor, sibling relationships, inventors, rhyming stories, and early reader fiction — 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 humor, sibling relationships, inventors.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
6C — 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
- 9780062370853
- Pages
- 40
- Publisher
- HarperCollins
- Published
- 2016
- Type
- Fiction