The great gum drop robbery
Russell Hoban
The great gum drop robbery
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Russell Hoban
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
The sweet, sticky smell of gum drops fills the air, tempting everyone nearby. Tiny fingers sneak quietly, reaching for the colorful treats while big brothers are busy. Can a little toddler really outsmart them and enjoy the candy all alone?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This charming early reader follows a clever toddler who outwits his older brothers to enjoy a secret stash of gum drops. Suitable for ages 5-8, it highlights themes of sibling dynamics and playful mischief with simple language and lighthearted humor. There is no intense content, making it an easy and fun read for young children.
Why we rated The great gum drop robbery 6C
The great gum drop robbery is written at a Level 1-2 reading level across 28 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 2.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The great gum drop robbery works for readers up to grade 3.5.
We rate The great gum drop robbery 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 great gum drop robbery weaves together play and brothers and sisters.
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 play, brothers and sisters.
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
1/10A 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
- 0399611843
- Pages
- 28
- Publisher
- Putnam Publishing Group
- Published
- 1982
- Type
- Fiction