The message, the promise, and how pigs figure in
M. J. Cosson
The message, the promise, and how pigs figure in
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by M. J. Cosson
The text is written at a 3rd 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
Did you know a fish once sent a secret message to a boy? When a 14-year-old hears nature’s call deep underwater, he discovers a promise that could save the ocean. What happens next might change the way we think about pollution forever.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This fiction book follows a 14-year-old boy who receives a mysterious message from a fish while diving in Hawaii, sparking his awareness about ocean pollution and environmental protection. Suitable for early readers aged 5-8, it introduces important ecological themes in an accessible and engaging way without graphic content.
Why we rated The message, the promise, and how pigs figure in 8LT
The message, the promise, and how pigs figure in is written at a Level 3 reading level across 78 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 4.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The message, the promise, and how pigs figure in works for readers up to grade 5.0.
We rate The message, the promise, and how pigs figure in as 8LT ("Light — Thematic") 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 message, the promise, and how pigs figure in explores marine pollution, pollution, ecology, environmental protection, 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 marine pollution, pollution, ecology.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
8LT — Light — ThematicNo 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
- 0789153513
- Pages
- 78
- Publisher
- Perfection Learning
- Published
- 2001
- Type
- Fiction