Why do we do that?
Mark Kirtland
Why do we do that?
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Mark Kirtland
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
Have you ever wondered why people wave hello or shake hands? Imagine all the different ways families celebrate holidays or say goodbye. What secrets do these customs hold, and why do we do them?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This book explores the cultural significance of everyday behaviors such as body language, greetings, and family traditions in a way that is accessible to early readers ages 5-8. It introduces young children to diverse customs around eating, driving, holidays, and weddings, encouraging curiosity about social manners in a gentle, fictional format. The content is age-appropriate with no intense themes, making it suitable for early elementary children.
Why we rated Why do we do that? 7C
Why do we do that? is written at a Level 2 reading level across 31 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 3.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Why do we do that? works for readers up to grade 4.0.
We rate Why do we do that? 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, Why do we do that? explores manners, family, cultural customs, social interaction, and early learning — 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 manners, family, cultural customs.
- ✓ 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
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
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0531143945
- Pages
- 31
- Publisher
- Franklin Watts
- Published
- 1996
- Type
- Nonfiction