The Siamang gibbons
Alice Schick
The Siamang gibbons
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
An Ape Family
by Alice Schick
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
Siamang gibbons are the loudest singers in the jungle, and their family’s journey is full of surprises! From the wild forests of Sumatra to the bustling Milwaukee County Zoo, their story shows how different places can feel like home. Discover why these amazing gibbons matter more than you think.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This early reader book follows a family of Siamang gibbons as they move from their natural habitat in the Sumatran jungle to a zoo in Milwaukee. Suitable for ages 5-8, it introduces young readers to animal biology and conservation in an accessible, engaging way. The story emphasizes themes of animal behavior and adaptation without any distressing content.
Why we rated The Siamang gibbons 8C
The Siamang gibbons is written at a Level 3 reading level across 81 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 4.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The Siamang gibbons works for readers up to grade 5.0.
We rate The Siamang gibbons 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 Siamang gibbons explores science & nature, animals, 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 science & nature, animals, family.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
8C — 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
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0817205063
- Pages
- 81
- Publisher
- WestWind Press
- Published
- 1976
- Type
- Fiction