Treading water
Laurie Halse Anderson
Treading water
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Laurie Halse Anderson
Vet Volunteers
The text is written at a 4th 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
Brenna and the Vet Volunteers discover a group of helpless ducklings who need to learn to swim fast. As they care for the little birds, they uncover the sad truth about abandoned Easter pets and launch a mission to teach their town why baby animals need special care. It’s a heartfelt adventure about kindness, responsibility, and teamwork.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This is a Level 4-5 book with gentle content intensity. No notable content concerns flagged. Written for readers ages 9-12.
For Parents
Content Intensity
Level 1 — GentleNo conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Safe for sensitive readers.
Was our "Gentle" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
4/10A 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
- 9780142416785
- Pages
- 175
- Publisher
- National Geographic Books
- Published
- 2014
- Type
- Fiction
- Word Count
- 35,373
- Read-Aloud
- ~3h 56m
- Text Density
- Standard