The fortune-tellers
Lloyd Alexander
The fortune-tellers
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Lloyd Alexander
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
This young man is the only person who can see the future—and he didn’t even know it! When he visits a fortune-teller, everything changes, and suddenly, the power to predict what’s coming is in his hands. But will he use this surprising gift the right way?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This early reader story follows a young boy who discovers he has the unexpected ability to tell fortunes after visiting a fortune-teller. With simple language suitable for ages 5-8, it combines humor and fantasy to engage young readers. Parents should note the light magical theme and playful tone, making it a fun introduction to imaginative storytelling.
Why we rated The fortune-tellers 7C
The fortune-tellers 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 fortune-tellers works for readers up to grade 4.0.
We rate The fortune-tellers 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 fortune-tellers explores humor, fantasy, 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 humor, fantasy, 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
- 9780440831419
- Pages
- 32
- Publisher
- Trumpet Club
- Published
- 1994
- Type
- Fiction