When We Are Apart
Becca Johnsey
When We Are Apart
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Becca Johnsey
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 mild with minimal sensitive material.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
Here’s a secret: sometimes your daddy can’t be there to tuck you in or read your favorite truck stories. You feel a big mix of missing him and wishing he was right by your side, but that's only the beginning of the story about love that never fades.
Themes
Quick Assessment
When We Are Apart is a gently rhyming picture book designed for early readers aged 2-5 that helps children understand and express their feelings when a parent is away for work. The story offers reassuring messages about unconditional love and includes practical tips to support emotional coping. Based on the author’s own experience, it is a valuable resource for families navigating separation anxiety with young children.
Why we rated When We Are Apart 7LE
When We Are Apart is written at a Level 2 reading level across 32 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 3.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, When We Are Apart works for readers up to grade 4.0.
We rate When We Are Apart as 7LE ("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, When We Are Apart explores family, parenting, and emotional growth — 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 family, parenting, emotional growth.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
7LE — Light — EmotionalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
When parents part
Penelope Leach
When parents part
Penelope Leach
When Your Child Is Gone
Francine Toder
When Your Child Is Gone
Francine Toder
But I Still Miss My Mommy
Teresa Johnston
But I Still Miss My Mommy
Teresa Johnston
Parenting from a Distance
Jan Walker
Parenting from a Distance
Jan Walker
Missing Daddy
Mariame Kaba
Missing Daddy
Mariame Kaba
Daddy, Will You Miss Me?
Wendy McCormick
Daddy, Will You Miss Me?
Wendy McCormick
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781955767378
- Pages
- 32
- Publisher
- Bibliokid Publishing
- Published
- 2022
- Type
- Fiction