When I was big
Debbie Kaplan
When I was big
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Debbie Kaplan
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
Here's a secret: sometimes, when you imagine being a brave king or a fearless sailor, you might actually be remembering when you were 'big' long ago. What if your adventures today are echoes from past lives? But that's only the beginning.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This gentle picture book introduces early readers to the idea of reincarnation through imaginative play and storytelling. Suitable for ages 5-8, it encourages curiosity about past lives in a soft, accessible way tied to spiritual themes from Eckankar. Parents should know it lightly explores spiritual concepts without heavy doctrine, making it a thoughtful introduction to ideas about identity and memory.
Why we rated When I was big 7LT
When I was big is written at a Level 2 reading level across 16 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 3.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, When I was big works for readers up to grade 4.0.
We rate When I was big as 7LT ("Light — Thematic") 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, When I was big explores imagination, spirituality, identity & self-discovery, 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 imagination, spirituality, identity & self-discovery.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
7LT — Light — ThematicNo 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
When I'm Big
Debi Gliori
When I'm Big
Debi Gliori
When I'm big
Debi Gliori
When I'm big
Debi Gliori
When I'm Big
Alexandra Balugas
When I'm Big
Alexandra Balugas
When We Are Big
Marilyn Minkoff
When We Are Big
Marilyn Minkoff
When I'm big
Nila Aye
When I'm big
Nila Aye
When I'm Big
Christine Tagg
When I'm Big
Christine Tagg
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781570433184
- Pages
- 16
- Publisher
- Eckankar
- Published
- 2010
- Type
- Fiction