The Snake That Went to School (Lucky Star)
Lilian Moore
The Snake That Went to School (Lucky Star)
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Lilian Moore
Illustrated by Richard Williams
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
Hank holds the wriggling snake tightly as it slithers through his fingers. Suddenly, his mom’s eyes widen in surprise—she’s not as thrilled about the new pet as Hank is. What will happen when the snake goes to school?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This charming early reader story follows Hank, who brings a gentle snake home from camp, only to face his mother's unexpected reaction. Suitable for ages 5 to 8, it gently explores themes of pets, family dynamics, and understanding different feelings. The book contains no intense content and is ideal for young readers interested in animals and everyday adventures.
Why we rated The Snake That Went to School (Lucky Star) 8C
The Snake That Went to School (Lucky Star) is written at a Level 3 reading level across 80 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 4.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The Snake That Went to School (Lucky Star) works for readers up to grade 5.0.
We rate The Snake That Went to School (Lucky Star) 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 Snake That Went to School (Lucky Star) explores animals - reptiles & amphibians, family, fiction, and children's books/all ages — 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 animals - reptiles & amphibians, family, fiction.
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
- 9780590407618
- Pages
- 80
- Publisher
- Scholastic
- Published
- October 1987
- Type
- Fiction