The lost parrots of America
Terry Dunnahoo
The lost parrots of America
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Terry Dunnahoo
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 mild with minimal sensitive material.
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About This Book
Bright feathers flash through the trees as a parrot squawks loudly, but suddenly, the forest goes eerily quiet. Where have all the colorful parrots disappeared to? Something important is missing from the skies, and the mystery is just beginning.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This early reader book introduces young children to the fascinating world of North America's parrots, focusing on species that have sadly become extinct such as the Carolina parakeet and Cuban red macaw. It blends fiction with educational themes about bird conservation and extinction, suitable for ages 5-8 and reading level grade 2. Parents should know it gently touches on the topic of extinction without graphic content.
Why we rated The lost parrots of America 7LE
The lost parrots of America is written at a Level 2 reading level across 48 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 3.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The lost parrots of America works for readers up to grade 4.0.
We rate The lost parrots of America as 7LE ("Light — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Mild" range — mild conflict — the kind a child encounters in normal play and sibling life. Across our four dimensions (emotional, physical, social, thematic) the book reads as evenly mild; no single dimension stands out as a concern.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the mild intensity score.
Thematically, The lost parrots of America explores birds, conservation, extinct animals, and adventure — 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 birds, conservation, extinct animals.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
7LE — Light — EmotionalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Was our "Mild" 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
- 0896864618
- Pages
- 48
- Publisher
- Crestwood House
- Published
- 1989
- Type
- Fiction