It Was September When We Ran Away the First Time
D. James Smith
It Was September When We Ran Away the First Time
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by D. James Smith
The text is written at a 5th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.
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About This Book
Three boys embark on a daring adventure that challenges their views and helps them understand the importance of kindness and empathy. As they navigate mysteries and unexpected obstacles, they discover what it truly means to grow up. Their journey is filled with humor, heart, and valuable lessons about friendship and acceptance.
Quick Assessment
This is a Level 5-6 book with mild content intensity. Content themes include prejudice & racism. Written for readers ages 9-12.
Why we rated It Was September When We Ran Away the First Time 10LS
It Was September When We Ran Away the First Time is written at a Level 5-6 reading level across 240 pages (approximately 46,650 words). Strong independent readers around grade 6.3 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, It Was September When We Ran Away the First Time works for readers up to grade 7.3.
Read aloud, It Was September When We Ran Away the First Time runs about 5.2 hours — long enough to span several bedtime sessions.
We rate It Was September When We Ran Away the First Time as 10LS ("Light — Social") 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.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Prejudice & Racism.
Thematically, It Was September When We Ran Away the First Time explores humor, mystery, friendship, coming of age, and social justice — 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.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about humor, mystery, friendship.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers looking for something heavier — this is a gentle, low-stakes story by design.
For Parents
Content Intensity
10LS — Light — SocialLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Content Flags
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
4/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781416938095
- Pages
- 240
- Publisher
- Simon and Schuster
- Published
- September 16, 2008
- Type
- Fiction
- Word Count
- 46,650
- Read-Aloud
- ~5h 11m
- Text Density
- Standard