The Other Side
Kathleen Krull
The Other Side
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
How Kids Live in a California Latino Neighborhood
by Kathleen Krull
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.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
The sun warms the streets of San Diego as two brothers chase a stray dog through colorful neighborhoods. Laughter fills the air, blending English and Spanish in a joyful dance. But what secret hides just around the corner?
Quick Assessment
This gentle fiction book explores the everyday life of two Mexican American brothers and their friend in San Diego, highlighting the beauty of bilingual culture. Ideal for early readers aged 5-8, it offers a warm depiction of family and community without intense conflict or mature themes. Parents can expect a culturally rich story that celebrates diversity and friendship.
Why we rated The Other Side 7C
The Other Side 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 Other Side works for readers up to grade 4.0.
We rate The Other Side as 7C ("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 Other Side explores multicultural, friendship, and family — 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 multicultural, friendship, family.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
7C — ClearNo conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Safe for sensitive readers.
Was our "Gentle" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Friends from the other side =
Gloria Anzaldúa
Friends from the other side =
Gloria Anzaldúa
The Other Side of Dark
Sarah Smith
The Other Side of Dark
Sarah Smith
Other Side
Angela Johnson
Other Side
Angela Johnson
The Other Sister
S. T. Underdahl
The Other Sister
S. T. Underdahl
The other side of the invisible fence
Trevor Romain
The other side of the invisible fence
Trevor Romain
Other Side of the Story
Jessica Sarah Gunderson
Other Side of the Story
Jessica Sarah Gunderson
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780140365214
- Pages
- 48
- Publisher
- Puffin
- Published
- May 1, 1996
- Type
- Fiction