Words Are Like Faces
Edith Baer
Words Are Like Faces
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Edith Baer
Illustrated by Kyra Teis
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 how words can make friends or build bridges? Imagine words as faces—each one showing feelings and inviting you to connect. What happens when the words we choose bring people closer together?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This reissued classic poem by Edith Baer uses simple couplets to teach early readers about the power of kind words and language in fostering community and connection. Suitable for ages 5-8, it uses clear, memorable language to introduce young children to the importance of communication and empathy. The book contains no intense content and is ideal for early literacy and social-emotional learning.
Why we rated Words Are Like Faces 7LE
Words Are Like Faces 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, Words Are Like Faces works for readers up to grade 4.0.
We rate Words Are Like Faces as 7LE ("Light — Emotional") 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, Words Are Like Faces explores friendship, family, poetry, and social justice — 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 friendship, family, poetry.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
7LE — Light — EmotionalNo 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
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781595721082
- Pages
- 32
- Publisher
- Star Bright Books
- Published
- August 30, 2007
- Type
- Fiction