A Show of Hands
Mary Beth Sullivan
A Show of Hands
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
Say It in Sign Language
by Mary Beth Sullivan
Illustrated by Linda Bourke
The text is written at a 3rd 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
Hands move quickly, fingers forming shapes you've never seen before. Around you, words fly silently in the air, full of meaning and magic. What secret message is about to be shared?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This early reader introduces young children to American Sign Language through engaging visuals and simple explanations. It gently explores the basics of sign language, making it accessible for ages 5 to 8. There is no content that parents need to be concerned about, making it a great educational resource for fostering inclusion and communication skills.
Why we rated A Show of Hands 8LS
A Show of Hands is written at a Level 3 reading level across 96 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 4.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, A Show of Hands works for readers up to grade 5.0.
We rate A Show of Hands as 8LS ("Light — Social") 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, A Show of Hands explores deaf, juvenile literature, general, and children's books/ages 9-12 fiction — 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 deaf, juvenile literature, general.
- ✓ 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
8LS — Light — SocialNo 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
- 9780060208608
- Pages
- 96
- Publisher
- Harpercollins
- Published
- February 1992
- Type
- Nonfiction