When They Are Up
Richard Thompson
When They Are Up
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Richard Thompson
Illustrated by Kirsti Anne Wakelin
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 Grand old Duke of York has the silliest army ever—these soldiers don’t just march up and down, they dance, giggle, and play in the funniest ways! Their goofy adventures turn a boring old rhyme into a hilarious parade of fun that will make you laugh out loud. Who knew marching could be this much fun?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This playful take on the classic nursery rhyme 'The Grand old Duke of York' features a lighthearted army of soldiers who engage in whimsical antics after their march. Suitable for early readers aged 5 to 8, this humorous story encourages imagination and joyous play without any intense content. It’s a gentle, entertaining read that supports early literacy with a fun twist.
Why we rated When They Are Up 7C
When They Are Up is written at a Level 2 reading level across 36 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 3.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, When They Are Up works for readers up to grade 4.0.
We rate When They Are Up 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, When They Are Up explores humor, friendship, juvenile fiction, and children's literature — 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 humor, friendship, juvenile fiction.
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
- 9781550417098
- Pages
- 36
- Publisher
- Markham, Ont. : Fitzhenry & Whiteside
- Published
- November 1, 2007
- Type
- Fiction