What should I do?
John Burstein
What should I do?
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
Making Good Decisions
by John Burstein
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.
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About This Book
Here's a secret: every big choice starts with a tiny trick called STAR. Stop, Think, Act, Review—it's like having a superpower for making decisions! But that's only the beginning of the adventure.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This book introduces young readers to the decision-making process using the simple STAR method: Stop, Think, Act, Review. Aimed at children ages 5-8, it encourages problem-solving skills through relatable examples, making it a helpful tool for early readers learning to navigate choices. The content is gentle and appropriate for early elementary age without any concerning themes.
Why we rated What should I do? 7C
What should I do? is written at a Level 2 reading level across 32 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 3.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, What should I do? works for readers up to grade 4.0.
We rate What should I do? 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 should I do? explores decision making, problem solving, friendship, and family — 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 decision making, problem solving, friendship.
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
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780778747918
- Pages
- 32
- Publisher
- Crabtree Publishing Company
- Published
- 2010
- Type
- Fiction