Ticker That Needed a Fixer
Donovan Gibson
Ticker That Needed a Fixer
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Donovan Gibson
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
Tick-tock, tick-tock—the steady rhythm fills the air, but something feels off in Time Town. Little Tick-Tock’s heart, once weak and frail, pulses with hope as he discovers a secret plan to save his home. Can a small ticker's courage inspire a big change when the clock is ticking fast?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This gentle story centers on Little Tick-Tock, a child with a fragile heart who finds hope and purpose in helping his father save their community. Suitable for early readers aged 5-8, the book offers themes of perseverance, family bonds, and faith, encouraging positive conversations between parents and children about overcoming challenges. The narrative is uplifting without intense conflict, making it a calm and inspiring read for young audiences.
Why we rated Ticker That Needed a Fixer 7LE
Ticker That Needed a Fixer is written at a Level 2 reading level across 28 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 3.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Ticker That Needed a Fixer works for readers up to grade 4.0.
We rate Ticker That Needed a Fixer 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, Ticker That Needed a Fixer explores family, faith, perseverance, and children's fiction — 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 family, faith, perseverance.
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
1/10A 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
- 9781935268468
- Pages
- 28
- Publisher
- Halo Publishing International
- Published
- 2011
- Type
- Fiction