My Name Is Not Slow
Autumn Libal
My Name Is Not Slow
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
Youth with Mental Retardation
by Autumn Libal
The text is written at a 4th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for teens (ages 13+), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.
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About This Book
The soft hum of chatter fills the room as Penelope’s laughter rings out, bright and clear. She’s ready to show the world who she truly is, beyond what anyone expects. But can she prove that her name is so much more than just “slow”?
Quick Assessment
This novel follows Penelope, a young girl with Down syndrome, as she navigates the challenges of growing up and the impact of her condition on her family. Suitable for readers aged 13 to 18, it offers an authentic perspective on disability and learning differences while fostering empathy and understanding. Parents should note the exploration of social issues related to special needs is handled thoughtfully and with sensitivity.
Why we rated My Name Is Not Slow 9ME
My Name Is Not Slow is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 128 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, My Name Is Not Slow works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate My Name Is Not Slow as 9ME ("Moderate — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Mild" range — mild conflict — the kind a child encounters in normal play and sibling life. The strongest signals come from emotional weight, social complexity — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the mild intensity score.
Thematically, My Name Is Not Slow explores disability representation, family, 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 13+ range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Readers ready to talk through themes after they finish — there's enough substance for a meaningful conversation.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about disability representation, family, coming of age.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9ME — Moderate — 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
4/10Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781590847312
- Pages
- 128
- Publisher
- Mason Crest Publishers
- Published
- April 2004
- Type
- Fiction