Going up!
Peter Sís
Going up!
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
A Color Counting Book
by Peter Sís
The text is written at a 1st grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for younger children (ages 5–8), and the content is gentle with no concerning themes.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
The elevator doors slide open on the first floor, and a person in bright red steps inside. With each floor, more colorful people hop on, their smiles growing bigger. But what could all these guests be heading toward?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This charming picture book follows an elevator ride filled with colorful characters heading to a birthday surprise. Designed for early readers aged 5 to 8, it introduces counting and colors in a fun, engaging way. The story is lighthearted and appropriate for young children, with no content concerns.
Why we rated Going up! 6C
Going up! is written at a Level 1-2 reading level across 24 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 2.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Going up! works for readers up to grade 3.5.
We rate Going up! as 6C ("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, Going up! explores counting, colors, friendship, family, and celebration — 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 counting, colors, friendship.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
6C — 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
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
The big busy building
Charles Reasoner
The big busy building
Charles Reasoner
Elevators
Tracy Maurer
Elevators
Tracy Maurer
Up and down on the Elevator
David Vanderbilt
Up and down on the Elevator
David Vanderbilt
The elevator family
Douglas Evans
The elevator family
Douglas Evans
Colors
Peter Sloan
Colors
Peter Sloan
Project 1-2-3.
Eve Merriam
Project 1-2-3.
Eve Merriam
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0688081258
- Pages
- 24
- Publisher
- Greenwillow
- Published
- 1989
- Type
- Fiction