Simon's Dream
Richard Ford
Simon's Dream
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
Fog Mound #3
by Richard Ford
Illustrated by Jon Buller
The text is written at a 6th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is gentle with no concerning themes.
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About This Book
The rustle of leaves and the faint hum of a strange machine fill the air as Thelonious the chipmunk and his friends tiptoe into the mysterious Mattakeunk Institute. Suddenly, a shimmering time machine appears, glowing with secrets waiting to be uncovered. What adventures lie ahead when the past and future collide?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fiction follows Thelonious the chipmunk and friends as they explore the enigmatic Mattakeunk Institute and uncover a time machine, blending elements of adventure, fantasy, and science fiction. Suitable for ages 9-12, it encourages curiosity and imaginative exploration without intense content. Parents can expect a lighthearted story emphasizing friendship and discovery.
Why we rated Simon's Dream 11C
Simon's Dream is written at a Level 6 reading level across 208 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Simon's Dream works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Simon's Dream as 11C ("Clear") because the content sits in the "Gentle" range — no conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Across our four dimensions (emotional, physical, social, thematic) the book reads as evenly gentle; no single dimension stands out as a concern.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the gentle intensity score.
Thematically, Simon's Dream explores adventure, animals, fantasy world-building, and science & nature — 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.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about adventure, animals, fantasy world-building.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers whose emotional readiness lags behind their decoding skills — this book's intensity outruns its reading level, a classic "gifted kid" mismatch.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11C — ClearNo conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Safe for sensitive readers.
Was our "Gentle" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
2/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780689876882
- Pages
- 208
- Publisher
- Aladdin
- Published
- June 3, 2008
- Type
- Fiction