I Was So Mad
Norma Simon
I Was So Mad
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Norma Simon
Illustrated by Dora Leder
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 mild with minimal sensitive material.
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About This Book
Feeling mad isn’t just about stomping feet or shouting loud—it’s a powerful wave that can sweep you off your feet! This story shows how even the strongest mad feelings can teach us something important about ourselves and others. Understanding your anger might just be the secret to feeling better.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This picture book explores a range of strong emotions such as frustration, anxiety, and loss of control through relatable scenarios for early readers. Designed for children ages 5-8, it helps young kids recognize and understand their feelings in a safe and accessible way. Parents should know it gently addresses emotional self-awareness without heavy conflict or distress.
Why we rated I Was So Mad 7LE
I Was So Mad is written at a Level 2 reading level across 40 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 3.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, I Was So Mad works for readers up to grade 4.0.
We rate I Was So Mad as 7LE ("Light — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Mild" range — mild conflict — the kind a child encounters in normal play and sibling life. Across our four dimensions (emotional, physical, social, thematic) the book reads as evenly mild; no single dimension stands out as a concern.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the mild intensity score.
Thematically, I Was So Mad explores emotions & feelings, juvenile literature, children: grades 1-2, friendship, and family — 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 emotions & feelings, juvenile literature, children: grades 1-2.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
7LE — Light — EmotionalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780807535196
- Pages
- 40
- Publisher
- Albert Whitman
- Published
- December 1991
- Type
- Fiction