Simon's New Friends
Wendy Grosser
Simon's New Friends
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Wendy Grosser
The text is written at a 2nd grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for younger children (ages 5–8), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.
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About This Book
Simon is the most excited kid about starting school, but did you know his excitement might actually make his new friends upset? When Simon’s actions push everyone away, he has to figure out how to fix things—and fast. What will Simon do to win back his friends and turn school into the best place ever?
Quick Assessment
This early reader story explores themes of friendship and social awareness as Simon navigates making new friends in a new school. Suitable for ages 5-8, it gently addresses the consequences of actions on others' feelings and the importance of empathy and making amends. The book offers a relatable scenario with positive messages for young children learning social skills.
Why we rated Simon's New Friends 7LE
Simon's New Friends is written at a Level 2 reading level across 34 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 3.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Simon's New Friends works for readers up to grade 4.0.
We rate Simon's New Friends as 7LE ("Light — Emotional") 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.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the mild intensity score.
Thematically, Simon's New Friends explores friendship, coming of age, and family — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 5-8 range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about friendship, coming of age, family.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
7LE — Light — 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
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9798990321465
- Pages
- 34
- Publisher
- Pippa Lou Publishing
- Published
- 2024
- Type
- Fiction