HootRated mascot HootRated

Tommy the Nurse

Peter Stoffan

Cover of Tommy the Nurse

Tommy the Nurse

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Peter Stoffan

Reading Level 5 10LE Ages 9-12 Balanced Read

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 mild with minimal sensitive material.

We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.

About This Book

Here's a secret: Tommy isn't like other kids—he's on a mission to be a nurse, even when some people say boys can't do that. He follows his heart through a world full of rules that don't always make sense, but that's only the beginning.

Quick Assessment

Tommy the Nurse tells the story of a young boy who challenges traditional gender roles by pursuing his dream to become a nurse. Suitable for ages 9-12, this middle-grade book promotes inclusivity, bravery, and self-expression, supported by beautiful illustrations. Parents should note its positive LGBTQ+ representation and themes of identity and acceptance.

Why we rated Tommy the Nurse 10LE

Tommy the Nurse 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, Tommy the Nurse works for readers up to grade 7.0.

We rate Tommy the Nurse as 10LE ("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, Tommy the Nurse explores lgbtq+ representation, coming of age, family, friendship, and self-discovery — 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 lgbtq+ representation, coming of age, family.

Maybe not for

  • ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.

For Parents

Content Intensity

10LE — Light — Emotional
Emotional
Light
Physical
Clear
Social
Light
Thematic
Light

Light conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.

Data confidence: standard

Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?

Reading Insights

Hook Factor

1/10

A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.

Discussion Potential

3/10

A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

Vocabulary Level
4
Emotional Weight
4
Theme Richness
6
World Scope
1
Data Confidence
7

Similar Books

Based on content and theme analysis

See all books like this →

Details

ISBN
9798985098129
Publisher
Neon Whale
Published
2022
Type
Fiction