Things We Wish to Say
Anna Bauereis
Things We Wish to Say
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Anna Bauereis
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
I have a secret: words aren’t the only way to share feelings. Imagine stepping into a magical garden where dancing speaks louder than talking, and every step tells a story. But that’s only the beginning.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This early reader follows Alexei, a young dancer who enters a fantastical garden where dance replaces words to express emotions like anger and joy. The book introduces children ages 5-8 to the art of dance as a form of emotional expression and creativity. It is gentle and appropriate for young readers, encouraging imagination and emotional awareness.
Why we rated Things We Wish to Say 7LE
Things We Wish to Say is written at a Level 2 reading level across 38 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 3.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Things We Wish to Say works for readers up to grade 4.0.
We rate Things We Wish to Say as 7LE ("Light — Emotional") 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, Things We Wish to Say explores friendship, coming of age, family, adventure, and dance — 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 friendship, coming of age, family.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
7LE — Light — EmotionalNo conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Safe for sensitive readers.
Was our "Gentle" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
2/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781645432135
- Pages
- 38
- Publisher
- Amplify Publishing Group
- Published
- 2020
- Type
- Fiction