This Is It
Daria Peoples-Riley
This Is It
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Daria Peoples-Riley
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
Some dancers have a secret power that makes them shine bright — and it’s not just their moves! When a young dancer’s shadow comes alive, it shows her how to find courage and joy in every step she takes. What amazing adventures will her feet lead her to next?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This vibrant picture book celebrates individuality and self-expression through the story of a young dancer overcoming nerves before an audition. With rhythmic, engaging text and lively illustrations, it encourages early readers to embrace confidence and creativity. Suitable for ages 5-8, it gently explores themes of self-esteem and the joy of movement without any concerning content.
Why we rated This Is It 7LE
This Is It is written at a Level 2 reading level across 40 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 3.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, This Is It works for readers up to grade 4.0.
We rate This Is It 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, This Is It explores performing arts, dance, self-esteem & self-reliance, 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 performing arts, dance, self-esteem & self-reliance.
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
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
- 9780062657763
- Pages
- 40
- Publisher
- Greenwillow Books
- Published
- Feb 06, 2018
- Type
- Fiction