My Name's Not Friday
Jon Walter
My Name's Not Friday
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Jon Walter
The text is written at a 7th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content has moderate intensity with some emotionally heavy themes.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
The heavy scent of smoke curls through the air as Samuel's quiet world shatters. Suddenly, the soft walls of the orphanage give way to the harsh sun and unforgiving fields of the South. With a new name and a heavy heart, Samuel faces a journey that will test his spirit and courage.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This historical fiction novel tells the story of Samuel, a free black boy who is sold into slavery during the Civil War era. Suitable for ages 9-12, it sensitively explores themes of freedom, family, and resilience, providing young readers with a powerful perspective on a difficult period in American history. Parents should note the story contains references to slavery and separation but handles these topics with hope and care.
Why we rated My Name's Not Friday 12ME
My Name's Not Friday is written at a Level 7 reading level across 331 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 8.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, My Name's Not Friday works for readers up to grade 9.0.
We rate My Name's Not Friday as 12ME ("Moderate — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Moderate" range — moderate conflict that may involve loss, scary scenes, or interpersonal stakes. 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 moderate intensity score.
Thematically, My Name's Not Friday explores coming of age, family, historical, african americans, and slavery — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers. Each of these themes is concrete enough to seed a real conversation, not just a moral lesson.
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.
- ✓ Readers ready to talk through themes after they finish — there's enough substance for a meaningful conversation.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about coming of age, family, historical.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers who get easily upset by emotional or moderately dark scenes — the conflict here is real, not just background flavor.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
12ME — Moderate — EmotionalReal stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.
Was our "Moderate" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
5/10Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Book of Samuel
Erik Raschke
Book of Samuel
Erik Raschke
Walter Dean Myers
Karen Burshtein
Walter Dean Myers
Karen Burshtein
The road to freedom
Jabari Asim
The road to freedom
Jabari Asim
Old Flames
Arthur Samuels
Old Flames
Arthur Samuels
My name is Clary Brown
Charity Blackstock
My name is Clary Brown
Charity Blackstock
True fires
Susan Carol McCarthy
True fires
Susan Carol McCarthy
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780545863711
- Pages
- 331
- Publisher
- Scholastic Inc.
- Published
- 2016
- Type
- Fiction