The gun, the heart, and the perico
Francisco X. Stork
The gun, the heart, and the perico
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Francisco X. Stork
The text is written at a 4th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for teens (ages 13+), and the content has moderate intensity with some emotionally heavy themes.
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About This Book
Pancho, a determined teenager, seeks justice for his sister's tragic loss but discovers unexpected friendship and hope when he meets D.Q., a boy battling cancer, and Marisol, a devoted caregiver. Their unlikely bond leads them all to see life and healing in a new light. Together, they navigate pain, courage, and the power of connection.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This is a Level 4-5 book with moderate content intensity. Content themes include loss & grief, illness & injury, friendship. Written for readers ages 13+.
For Parents
Content Intensity
Level 3 — ModerateReal stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.
Content Flags
Was our "Moderate" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
5/10Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780545151337
- Pages
- 344
- Publisher
- Scholastic Inc.
- Published
- 2010
- Type
- Fiction
- Word Count
- 88,598
- Read-Aloud
- ~9h 51m
- Text Density
- Dense