What the Parrot Told Alice
Dale Smith
What the Parrot Told Alice
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Dale Smith
The text is written at a 4th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for teens (ages 13+), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.
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About This Book
The sharp cry of a parrot slices through the jungle air, its feathers shimmering in the dappled sunlight. Alice listens closely as Bo Parrot reveals secrets about the hidden world of rare bird smuggling and the fragile balance of nature. What will happen when the truth takes flight?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This book follows Alice's discovery of the illegal smuggling trade involving rare birds, as told by her friend Bo Parrot. It introduces young readers to themes of ecology and environmental conservation, suitable for teens aged 13 to 18. The story sensitively explores the impact of wildlife trafficking without graphic content, making it appropriate for middle to high school readers interested in nature and social issues.
Why we rated What the Parrot Told Alice 9LE
What the Parrot Told Alice is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 128 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, What the Parrot Told Alice works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate What the Parrot Told Alice as 9LE ("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 the Parrot Told Alice explores animals - birds, nature & the natural world - ecology, nature & the natural world - environment, and adventure — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 13+ range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about animals - birds, nature & the natural world - ecology, nature & the natural world - environment.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9LE — Light — EmotionalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
2/10A 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
- 9780965145275
- Pages
- 128
- Publisher
- Deer Creek publishing
- Published
- September 15, 2003
- Type
- Fiction