Tom (Scholastic Audio Cassette)
Charles Perrault
Tom (Scholastic Audio Cassette)
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Charles Perrault
The text is written at a 5th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is gentle with no concerning themes.
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About This Book
Have you ever shared a secret with someone who just gets you? Imagine a boy and his grandfather teaming up for some unforgettable fun and mischief. What surprises will their special bond bring next?
Quick Assessment
This autobiographical picture book by Tomie dePaola warmly explores the loving relationship between a grandfather and his grandson. Suitable for children ages 9-12, it offers gentle humor and heartfelt moments that celebrate family connections without any content concerns. The story highlights themes of affection and playful companionship, making it a comforting read for young readers.
Why we rated Tom (Scholastic Audio Cassette) 10C
Tom (Scholastic Audio Cassette) is written at a Level 5 reading level. Strong independent readers around grade 6.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Tom (Scholastic Audio Cassette) works for readers up to grade 7.0.
We rate Tom (Scholastic Audio Cassette) as 10C ("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, Tom (Scholastic Audio Cassette) explores family, friendship, coming of age, and humor — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 9-12 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, friendship, coming of age.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers whose emotional readiness lags behind their decoding skills — this book's intensity outruns its reading level, a classic "gifted kid" mismatch.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
10C — ClearNo 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
- ISBN
- 9780590612371
- Publisher
- Scholastic
- Published
- 1994
- Type
- Fiction