What are drugs?
Gretchen Super
What are drugs?
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Gretchen Super
The text is written at a 2nd grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for younger children (ages 5–8), 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
What if you could see how tiny things called drugs can change your body? Imagine learning what makes some drugs helpful and why others can be dangerous. Discover why understanding drugs is super important for staying safe and healthy!
Themes
Quick Assessment
This early reader book introduces young children to the concept of drugs, explaining in simple language what drugs are, their effects on the body, and the risks of drug addiction. It is designed for ages 5-8 with straightforward text and illustrations, making complex topics accessible without being frightening. Parents should note the educational focus on drug awareness appropriate for early readers.
Why we rated What are drugs? 7LE
What are drugs? is written at a Level 2 reading level across 48 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 3.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, What are drugs? works for readers up to grade 4.0.
We rate What are drugs? as 7LE ("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, What are drugs? explores drug awareness, health education, and juvenile literature — 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 drug awareness, health education, juvenile literature.
- ✓ Curious kids who prefer real-world topics over made-up stories.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
7LE — Light — EmotionalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Was our "Mild" 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
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Drugs (Understanding Issues)
Gail Stewart
Drugs (Understanding Issues)
Gail Stewart
Drugs
David J. Triggle
Drugs
David J. Triggle
Drugs and your health
Jillian Powell
Drugs and your health
Jillian Powell
Drugs, Group 2 (Drugs)
Marshall Cavendish Corporation
Drugs, Group 2 (Drugs)
Marshall Cavendish Corporation
Drugs
Anonimo, Gregory D. Busse, Heather Lehr Wagner, Randi Mehling, Brigid M. Kane, Cynthia Borda
Drugs
Anonimo, Gregory D. Busse, Heather Lehr Wagner, Randi Mehling, Brigid M. Kane, Cynthia Borda
Drugs on Your Streets
Gabrielle I. Edwards
Drugs on Your Streets
Gabrielle I. Edwards
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0941477878
- Pages
- 48
- Publisher
- Twenty-First Century Books
- Published
- 1990
- Type
- Nonfiction