Simon says
Molly Levite Griffis
Simon says
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Molly Levite Griffis
The text is written at a 6th 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.
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About This Book
What would you do if you were sent far away from your home and family during a scary war? Simon, a sixth grader, finds himself in a small Oklahoma town where whispers of fear and prejudice fill the air. Can he find courage and understanding in a world that feels so divided?
Themes
Quick Assessment
Set during World War II, this middle-grade novel follows Simon, a Jewish boy sent from Germany to live in Oklahoma. It thoughtfully explores themes of abandonment, antisemitism, and resilience in a historical context suitable for ages 9-12. Parents should note the book addresses complex social issues with sensitivity, providing a meaningful look at history and identity.
Why we rated Simon says 11ME
Simon says is written at a Level 6 reading level across 263 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Simon says works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Simon says as 11ME ("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, Simon says explores world war ii, antisemitism, coming of age, family, and historical — 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 world war ii, antisemitism, coming of age.
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
11ME — 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
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 1571688366
- Pages
- 263
- Publisher
- Eakin Press
- Published
- 2004
- Type
- Fiction