What reading level is The only way I can?

The only way I can by Bonnie Grubman is at a Level 3 reading level (Lexile 540L). Recommended for Lower Grades readers (Ages 5-8).

What age is The only way I can appropriate for?

The only way I can is recommended for Ages 5-8. HootRating: 8C (Clear).

What genre is The only way I can?

The only way I can is fiction — Juvenile Fiction.

Does The only way I can have any content warnings?

The only way I can has a HootRating of 8C (Clear). No specific content flags noted. On HootRated, every book is rated across four dimensions — emotional, physical, social, and thematic — to help parents make informed choices.

How many pages is The only way I can?

The only way I can by Bonnie Grubman is 30 pages.

Reviewed by HootRated editorial · Last updated September 7, 2026

The only way I can

Bonnie Grubman

The only way I can

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Bonnie Grubman

Illustrated by Westermann, Carolien, illustrator

Reading Level 3 8C Ages 5-8 Balanced Read

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.

Find on Amazon Listen on Audible

We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.

About This Book

Crunch, crunch! The soft leaves crackle under tiny paws as a brave little rabbit hops through the forest. With every step, new friends and surprises await, showing that believing in yourself is the greatest adventure of all.

Themes

FriendshipEncouragementAnimalsJuvenile Fiction

Quick Assessment

This charming early reader follows a young rabbit on a journey of self-discovery and friendship, highlighting the importance of encouragement and personal strengths. Suitable for children ages 5-8, it offers gentle humor and positive messages without any challenging content.

Why we rated The only way I can 8C

The only way I can is written at a Level 3 reading level with a Lexile measure of 540L across 30 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 4.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The only way I can works for readers up to grade 5.0.

We rate The only way I can as 8C ("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 only way I can explores friendship, encouragement, animals, and juvenile fiction — 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 friendship, encouragement, animals.