Away
Emil Sher
Away
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Emil Sher
Illustrated by Leng, Qin, illustrator
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
Here's a secret: every sticky note holds a little bit of magic between a mom and her daughter. Even miles apart, their special messages keep them close, but that's only the beginning.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This gentle story explores the bond between a mother and daughter as they stay connected through sticky note messages while the child is away at camp. Suitable for early readers aged 5-8, it offers reassurance about separation and fosters emotional security with simple, relatable themes.
Why we rated Away 7LE
Away is written at a Level 2-3 reading level with a Lexile measure of 400L across 30 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 3.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Away works for readers up to grade 4.5.
We rate Away 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, Away explores family, mother and child, and friendship — 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 family, mother and child, friendship.
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
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781554984831
- Pages
- 30
- Publisher
- Groundwood Books, House of Anansi Press
- Published
- 2017
- Type
- Fiction
- Lexile
- 400L