Try, try again
Jones, Brian
Try, try again
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Jones, Brian
The text is written at a 3rd grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for younger children (ages 5–8), and the content is gentle with no concerning themes.
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About This Book
The rough grip tape of Gus's skateboard scrapes under his fingers as he prepares for the big trick. The whoosh of wind and the clatter of wheels fill the air, but the first attempt wobbles and falls. Still, with each try, the skateboarder’s confidence grows—what will happen when he finally lands it?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This early reader story follows Gus and his friend Marco as they explore perseverance through skateboarding. The book encourages young children to embrace challenges and keep trying despite setbacks, making it suitable for ages 5 to 8. It features positive themes around effort and imagination without any concerning content.
Why we rated Try, try again 8LE
Try, try again is written at a Level 3 reading level across 63 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 4.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Try, try again works for readers up to grade 5.0.
We rate Try, try again as 8LE ("Light — Emotional") 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, try again explores perseverance, friendship, and sports — 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 perseverance, friendship, sports.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
8LE — Light — EmotionalNo 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
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 1577330072
- Pages
- 63
- Publisher
- Blue Dolphin Publishing
- Published
- 1996
- Type
- Fiction