What Should I Use?
David Drew
What Should I Use?
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
The Technology of Simple Machines
by David Drew
Illustrated by Ester Kasepuu
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
Click, clack, whirr! Feel the buzz of gears turning and the smooth slide of levers as machines come to life all around you. Discover how these clever helpers make tricky jobs easier — and find out which one you’d choose to get the job done!
Themes
Quick Assessment
This early reader introduces children ages 5-8 to simple machines through engaging examples that encourage critical thinking about how tools work. It uses clear, accessible language ideal for grade 2 reading levels and fosters curiosity about everyday technology. The content is gentle and educational, with no challenging themes or content concerns.
Why we rated What Should I Use? 7C
What Should I Use? is written at a Level 2 reading level across 17 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 3.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, What Should I Use? works for readers up to grade 4.0.
We rate What Should I Use? 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 Use? weaves together education and science & nature.
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 education, science & nature.
- ✓ 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
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
- 9780731206360
- Pages
- 17
- Publisher
- Rigby
- Published
- November 1992
- Type
- Nonfiction