Simply "Father"
Toby Selda
Simply "Father"
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
Life with Theodore Roosevelt as Seen Through the Eyes of His Children
by Toby Selda
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 gentle with no concerning themes.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
The salty breeze from the Long Island shore tickles your nose as you hear the laughter of children playing near a grand old house. Inside, a strong and kind man with a bushy mustache shares stories and adventures with his family. The warmth of those moments makes you wonder what it’s like to have a father who’s also a president.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This gentle fictional story captures a slice of life at Sagamore Hill, the home of Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th U.S. president, focusing on his relationship with his children. Aimed at early readers aged 5-8, it offers historical context in a simple and warm way, suitable for introducing young children to American history and family bonds without complex themes or conflict.
Why we rated Simply "Father" 7C
Simply "Father" is written at a Level 2 reading level across 28 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 3.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Simply "Father" works for readers up to grade 4.0.
We rate Simply "Father" as 7C ("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, Simply "Father" explores family, historical, presidents, and multicultural — 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 family, historical, presidents.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
7C — ClearNo conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Safe for sensitive readers.
Was our "Gentle" 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
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
My Father, My President
Doro Bush Koch
My Father, My President
Doro Bush Koch
My father, my president
Doro Bush Koch
My father, my president
Doro Bush Koch
A father like that
Charlotte Zolotow
A father like that
Charlotte Zolotow
Wisdom of our fathers
Tim Russert
Wisdom of our fathers
Tim Russert
My father, my companion
Geraldine Lee Susi
My father, my companion
Geraldine Lee Susi
My Daddy
Susan Paradis
My Daddy
Susan Paradis
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781590910306
- Pages
- 28
- Publisher
- Eastern National Park and Monument Association
- Published
- 2007
- Type
- Fiction