We wrote these poems
Robert Burns
We wrote these poems
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
a collection of poems by mentally retarded children at Nomura Gakuen, Japan
by Robert Burns
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
What if the poems you wrote could travel across the world and speak in two languages? Imagine discovering the secret feelings and stories of students just like you, captured in words both in Japanese and English. Could these poems unlock a bridge between cultures and friendships, or will their hidden meanings stay a mystery?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This book presents a unique collection of poems written by Japanese students, translated into English for middle-grade readers. It offers a culturally rich exploration of children's perspectives through poetry, suitable for ages 9-12. Parents should note the bilingual text and literary style, which may inspire interest in multicultural literature and language learning.
Why we rated We wrote these poems 9C
We wrote these poems is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 117 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, We wrote these poems works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate We wrote these poems as 9C ("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, We wrote these poems explores multicultural, children's writings, poetry, and friendship — 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 multicultural, children's writings, poetry.
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
9C — 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
Book Length
- ISBN
- 4590006707
- Pages
- 117
- Publisher
- Hokuseido Press
- Published
- 1982
- Type
- Fiction