David goes to school
David Shannon
David goes to school
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by David Shannon
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
David is the naughtiest kid in school — and he knows it! He chews gum when he shouldn’t, talks when he’s told to be quiet, and even starts a wild food fight. But why does his teacher keep saying, "No, David!" and what will happen next?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This early reader follows David, a lively young boy who struggles to follow classroom rules, including chewing gum, speaking out of turn, and causing a food fight. Suitable for ages 5-8, it offers a humorous look at behavior and consequences in a school setting, helping young readers understand classroom expectations. The story is light-hearted with simple language appropriate for early readers.
Why we rated David goes to school 7C
David goes to school is written at a Level 2 reading level across 30 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 3.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, David goes to school works for readers up to grade 4.0.
We rate David goes to school as 7C ("Clear") 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, David goes to school explores behavior, schools, and human behavior — 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 behavior, schools, human behavior.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
7C — ClearNo 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
- 9780439321716
- Pages
- 30
- Publisher
- Scholastic Inc.
- Published
- 2001
- Type
- Fiction