This is a Guided Reading Level M, DRA 28. It is on level for the beginning of third grade.
Alas, I cannot locate my copy of Flat Stanley, so we’re going with this follow-up instead. After a period of enjoyable roundness, Stanley finds himself flat once again. He’s not thrilled about it, but he does discover that there are some perks to being flat. He comes in handy during a sailing race and also is able to help out in an emergency.
Verdict: I would continue to recommend the Flat Stanley series. The plot was very simple, the chapters didn’t rely on a whole lot of plot building, so there isn’t a ton to remember. I’m also thrilled to have a book that doesn’t center on mischievous children.
Pros: The series contains copious illustrations and the text is larger than usual and spaced out on the page, which is great for beginning readers. It appears less intimidating and it also makes it easier to keep your place on the page. I would say that it’s layout is more friendly than other similarly leveled books (like Junie B, or Magic Tree House) and because of that, I usually had readers who were below the advised level who were successful with reading and understanding it. Despite being visually simple, it does contain a table of contents and clear chapter markings which is great for readers who are transitioning up from picture books and what that feeling of reading a big kid book.
Cons: A visit to the doctor’s office is full of complicated vocabulary from “peculiar” and “Osteal” to “anatomical,” “vulnerable,” and ” simultaneous.” Yikes! Also, Stanley’s guidance counselor is pretty useless. I really hate the idea of young children getting that message, because there are many times when the guidance counselor really is an excellent person for a child to talk to about issues in their lives.
Sex, Nudity, Dating – Stanley gets a kiss on the cheek for being a hero.
Profanity – “drat”,
Death, Violence and Gore – A flat Mongol is drawn holding a sword. Stanley’s brother suggests hitting Stanley with sticks to restore his balance. A girl is trapped when a building collapses.
Drugs, Alcohol and Smoking – They fill a cigarette case with soda to bring to a trapped girl.
Frightening or Intense Things – Stanley is flat. This should be enough of a fantasy that children will not worry about it happening to them. There are masks on the guidance counselor’s wall and they are CREEPY.
