Where do they go?
Julia Alvarez
Where do they go?
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Julia Alvarez
Illustrated by Field, Sabra, illustrator
The text is written at a 1st grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for younger children (ages 5–8), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.
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About This Book
Some people say that when someone dies, they become the wind or a shining star. Imagine if those you love are still around, whispering that you're perfect just the way you are. What if the answer to where they go is more magical and comforting than you ever imagined?
Themes
Quick Assessment
Julia Alvarez's gentle poetic book explores the difficult topic of death in a way that is accessible and soothing for young children aged 5 to 8. Through thoughtful questions and beautiful woodcut illustrations, it offers a comforting perspective on loss without heavy emotional weight, making it a helpful resource for families navigating grief. The content is appropriate for early readers and handles the theme of death with sensitivity.
Why we rated Where do they go? 6LE
Where do they go? is written at a Level 1-2 reading level across 24 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 2.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Where do they go? works for readers up to grade 3.5.
We rate Where do they go? as 6LE ("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, Where do they go? explores grief, family, poetry, comfort, and death — 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 grief, family, poetry.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
6LE — 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
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781609806705
- Pages
- 24
- Publisher
- National Geographic Books
- Published
- 2016
- Type
- Fiction