The storm
Marc Harshman
The storm
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Marc Harshman
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 mild with minimal sensitive material.
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About This Book
What if a fierce tornado suddenly swept across the farm? Imagine being in a wheelchair and having to protect the horses from the roaring storm all alone. Can Jonathan find the courage and strength to keep everyone safe?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This early reader book tells the story of Jonathan, a boy who uses a wheelchair, as he bravely faces a tornado threatening his family's farm and animals. It explores themes of courage, farm life, and disability, suitable for ages 5 to 8. Parents should note the depiction of severe weather, but the story emphasizes resilience and heroism.
Why we rated The storm 7LE
The storm is written at a Level 2 reading level across 34 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 3.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The storm works for readers up to grade 4.0.
We rate The storm as 7LE ("Light — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Mild" range — mild conflict — the kind a child encounters in normal play and sibling life. Across our four dimensions (emotional, physical, social, thematic) the book reads as evenly mild; no single dimension stands out as a concern.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the mild intensity score.
Thematically, The storm explores farm life, people with disabilities, adventure, and weather — 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 farm life, people with disabilities, adventure.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
7LE — Light — EmotionalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
2/10A 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
- 9780590068611
- Pages
- 34
- Publisher
- Scholastic
- Published
- 1997
- Type
- Fiction