Try This!
Franklin Watts
Try This!
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Franklin Watts
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 wondered what happens when you mix baking soda and vinegar or how to make a rainbow appear on your wall? Dive into a world of exciting experiments where you become the scientist, discovering cool facts and surprising results with everyday stuff. What amazing discoveries will you make next?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This engaging book introduces children ages 9 to 12 to fundamental scientific concepts through hands-on experiments and projects. It encourages observation, note-taking, and critical thinking, supported by clear, colorful illustrations. Perfect for young readers eager to explore science in a fun and educational way.
Why we rated Try This! 10C
Try This! 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, Try This! works for readers up to grade 7.0.
We rate Try This! 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, Try This! weaves together science & nature - experiments & projects and science & technology - experiments & projects.
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 science & nature - experiments & projects, science & technology - experiments & projects.
- ✓ Curious kids who prefer real-world topics over made-up stories.
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
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
- ISBN
- 9780531199527
- Publisher
- Franklin Watts
- Published
- January 1995
- Type
- Nonfiction