What We Do in Summer
JoAnn Early Macken
What We Do in Summer
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by JoAnn Early Macken
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
The sun is shining bright and the air smells like fresh-cut grass. You’re digging in the garden when suddenly, something shiny catches your eye beneath the soil. What could it be?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This charming early reader explores the joyful activities of summer, from walks in the park to gardening adventures. Suitable for children ages 5 to 8, it encourages curiosity and outdoor play without any intense content. The simple, engaging text supports early literacy and seasonal themes.
Why we rated What We Do in Summer 7C
What We Do in Summer 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 We Do in Summer works for readers up to grade 4.0.
We rate What We Do in Summer 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 We Do in Summer explores summer, friendship, adventure, 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 summer, friendship, adventure.
- ✓ 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
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
- 9781634403078
- Pages
- 24
- Publisher
- Red Chair Press
- Published
- 2018
- Type
- Nonfiction