An open mind
Susan Sallis
An open mind
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
A Novel
by Susan Sallis
The text is written at a 4th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content has moderate intensity with some emotionally heavy themes.
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About This Book
Jake’s heart pounds as he watches his dad talk about marrying someone new. Suddenly, he feels torn between anger and hope. But then, a chance encounter with a boy who walks differently changes everything—what will Jake do next?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade novel explores a young boy’s emotional journey as he navigates his father’s pending remarriage, with the added perspective of a peer living with a disability. It thoughtfully addresses themes of family change, acceptance, and friendship, suitable for readers aged 9 to 12. Parents should be aware it sensitively handles complex family dynamics and disability without graphic content.
Why we rated An open mind 9ME
An open mind is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 139 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, An open mind works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate An open mind as 9ME ("Moderate — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Moderate" range — moderate conflict that may involve loss, scary scenes, or interpersonal stakes. The strongest signals come from emotional weight — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the moderate intensity score.
Thematically, An open mind explores family, fathers and sons, people with disabilities, divorce, and friendship — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 9-12 range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Readers ready to talk through themes after they finish — there's enough substance for a meaningful conversation.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about family, fathers and sons, people with disabilities.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers who get easily upset by emotional or moderately dark scenes — the conflict here is real, not just background flavor.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9ME — Moderate — EmotionalReal stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.
Was our "Moderate" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
4/10Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 006025162X
- Pages
- 139
- Publisher
- HarperCollins Publishers
- Published
- 1978
- Type
- Fiction