I Am Special
Joan Ensor Plum
I Am Special
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
Songs
by Joan Ensor Plum
The text is written at a 8th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is gentle with no concerning themes.
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About This Book
What if you could discover what makes you truly special? Imagine a colorful world where every song and activity helps you learn about being part of a big, loving family. But what does it really mean to belong to something so wonderful?
Themes
Quick Assessment
I Am Special is a faith-based program designed for children ages 4 and up to explore Catholic teachings through engaging activities, songs, and lessons. It emphasizes the concept of belonging to God's family and parish community, supporting both volunteers and professional educators. The material is age-appropriate for young children and fosters spiritual growth in a gentle, meaningful way.
Why we rated I Am Special 12C
I Am Special is written at a Level 8 reading level across 400 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 9.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, I Am Special works for readers up to grade 10.0.
We rate I Am Special as 12C ("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, I Am Special explores christian education - children & youth, faith & spirituality, family, community, and music & activities — 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.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about christian education - children & youth, faith & spirituality, family.
- ✓ Curious kids who prefer real-world topics over made-up stories.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers whose emotional readiness lags behind their decoding skills — this book's intensity outruns its reading level, a classic "gifted kid" mismatch.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
12C — 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
- 9781931709224
- Pages
- 400
- Publisher
- Our Sunday Visitor (IN)
- Published
- May 2003
- Type
- Nonfiction