Name: Stephanie Castro

Social Issue/Topic: Gender

Title of Text:​ Morris Micklewhite and the Tangerine Dress
Author: ​Christine Baldacchino
Year of Publication: ​2014
Select One: ​ ​Children’s​ ​Literature ​ Non-fiction Other (Explain):

2. Quantitative Level of Text

● Website used to determine quantitative level of text: ​ ​https://fab.lexile.com/
● Quantitative Level (Lexile Level and/or Age Range): AD530L
● For what grade(s) is this level of text appropriate?: 2nd or 3rd

Meaning/Purpose Structure
Rubric Category: Moderately Complex Rubric Category: Slightly Complex

Reasoning/Examples: On page five the book says that
Morris likes the dress up center and the tangerine dress.
Morris likes the color of the dress. It reminds him of the
tigers, the sun and his mother’s hair. This is might be
new to most students because social norms don’t allow
boys to wear dresses. Students might not understand if
Morris is transgender or simply just likes to wear
dresses. This might have to be explained to students.
Language
Rubric Category: Slightly Complex
Reasoning/Examples: The text structure is
clear to understand. Pages 1-3 explain that
Morris has a mother names Moira and a cat
named Moo. It also explains why he likes
Sundays and Mondays.
Knowledge/Demands
Rubric Category: Moderately Complex

Reasoning/Examples: The language used in the book is
straightforward and easy to understand. For example on
page 4 the author says, “Morris likes lots of things about
school. He likes to paint. He likes puzzles…” Students are
able to understand without having to read between the
line or wonder what the author was trying to say.
Reasoning/Examples: This text can be
moderately complex because although
students experience bullying or being made
fun of often, it is not very common to see a
boy wearing a dress in school.

● What would students find ​easy ​about this text? Consider quantitative and qualitative
characteristics in your response.
Students will find the text to be easy to read. They will also find the issue and the
finally outcome of the story easy to figure out.

● What would students find ​challenging ​about this text? Consider quantitative and
qualitative characteristics in your response.
Students may find it challenging to understand why Morris likes wearing dresses
and heels.