The Orphan Boy
Tololwa M. Mollel
The Orphan Boy
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Tololwa M. Mollel
Illustrated by Paul Morin
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 gentle with no concerning themes.
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About This Book
Governor General's Award for Illustration International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY) Honour Book Award for Illustration American Library Association Notable Book Award, 1991 The Amelia Frances Howard-Gibbon Illustrator's Award Elizabeth Mrazik-Cleaver Picture Book Award for Illustration One night the old man looked at the stars but one was missing! Suddenly he heard footsteps. He turned his head to see an orphan boy. The man and the boy lived together. The boy had a special secret that he said he couldn't share. The man's curiosity got the better of him and his life was changed forever. This award-winning picture book is based on a Maasai legend about the planet Venus and tells of a loyal affection despite broken trust. Accompanied by magnificent paintings of Africa.
Quick Assessment
This is a Level 2 book. No notable content concerns flagged. Written for readers ages 5-8.
Why we rated The Orphan Boy Level 0
The Orphan Boy is written at a Level 2 reading level across 30 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 3.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The Orphan Boy works for readers up to grade 4.0.
We rate The Orphan Boy as Unrated because the content sits in the "Unrated" range — no conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the unrated intensity score.
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.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
Level 0 — UnratedThis book has not yet been rated for content intensity.
Was our "Unrated" 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
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780773757103
- Pages
- 30
- Publisher
- Fitzhenry and Whiteside
- Published
- February 1, 1995
- Type
- Fiction