Simple Addition by a Little Nigger
McLoughlin McLoughlin Brothers
Simple Addition by a Little Nigger
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by McLoughlin McLoughlin Brothers
The text is written at a 2nd grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for younger children (ages 5–8), and the content has moderate intensity with some emotionally heavy themes.
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About This Book
The rhythmic tapping of little feet echoes as you count along with the playful rhymes. Bright, colorful pictures bring numbers to life with every turn of the page. There's a surprising mix of fun and history in every line, waiting to be discovered.
Themes
Quick Assessment
Originally published in the 19th century, this book presents counting rhymes paired with colorful illustrations aimed at early readers. However, it contains a racial slur in the title and text that is considered offensive and inappropriate today. Parents should be aware that this book reflects outdated and harmful language and racial stereotypes, making it unsuitable for young children.
Why we rated Simple Addition by a Little Nigger 7IS
Simple Addition by a Little Nigger is written at a Level 2 reading level across 24 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 3.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Simple Addition by a Little Nigger works for readers up to grade 4.0.
We rate Simple Addition by a Little Nigger as 7IS ("Intense — Social") because the content sits in the "Moderate" range — moderate conflict that may involve loss, scary scenes, or interpersonal stakes. The strongest signals come from social complexity — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Racial Discrimination, Offensive Language.
Thematically, Simple Addition by a Little Nigger explores children's poetry, nursery rhymes, and historical — 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.
- ✓ Readers ready to talk through themes after they finish — there's enough substance for a meaningful conversation.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about children's poetry, nursery rhymes, 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
7IS — Intense — SocialReal stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.
Content Flags
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
4/10Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781429081481
- Pages
- 24
- Publisher
- Applewood Books
- Published
- 2012
- Type
- Fiction