What Makes It Move?
Crystal Sikkens
What Makes It Move?
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Crystal Sikkens
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 gentle with no concerning themes.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
Have you ever wondered what makes things move? Imagine pushing a toy car across the floor or pulling a wagon up a hill—what forces are at work? Discover how changing the strength or direction of a push or pull can change everything, but what happens next might surprise you!
Themes
Quick Assessment
This early reader introduces young children to basic concepts of force and motion through simple explanations and relatable examples of pushing and pulling. Suitable for ages 5-8, it supports early science learning with clear language and engaging illustrations. The content is gentle and educational, with no concerning themes.
Why we rated What Makes It Move? 7C
What Makes It Move? is written at a Level 2 reading level across 24 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 3.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, What Makes It Move? works for readers up to grade 4.0.
We rate What Makes It Move? as 7C ("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, What Makes It Move? weaves together science & nature and early learning.
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 science & nature, early learning.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
7C — 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
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Make it move!
Julian Rowe
Make it move!
Julian Rowe
Pushes and Pulls
Helen Gregory
Pushes and Pulls
Helen Gregory
Push it or pull it?
Rozanne Lanczak Williams
Push it or pull it?
Rozanne Lanczak Williams
Forces and Motion
Angela Royston
Forces and Motion
Angela Royston
Pull and Push
Katie Peters
Pull and Push
Katie Peters
Forces and Motion
Angela Royston
Forces and Motion
Angela Royston
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780778764519
- Pages
- 24
- Publisher
- Full Steam Ahead! - Science St
- Published
- 2019
- Type
- Fiction