Stacy Says Good-Bye
Patricia Reilly Giff
Stacy Says Good-Bye
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Patricia Reilly Giff
The text is written at a 3rd 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 classroom buzzes with laughter and whispers as baby pictures hang on the bulletin board, each one telling a story. Stacy's picture catches everyone's eye, but when Twana says it looks like a hippopotamus, Stacy feels a sting deep inside. Can a simple word change how Stacy sees herself?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This gentle story follows Stacy during her first year of school as she navigates feelings of hurt and self-awareness sparked by a teasing comment. Suitable for early readers ages 5-8, it sensitively explores themes of friendship, kindness, and self-esteem without intense conflict or distress.
Why we rated Stacy Says Good-Bye 8C
Stacy Says Good-Bye is written at a Level 3 reading level across 75 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 4.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Stacy Says Good-Bye works for readers up to grade 5.0.
We rate Stacy Says Good-Bye as 8C ("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.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Emotional: Bullying.
Thematically, Stacy Says Good-Bye explores friendship, school stories, and coming of age — 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, school stories, coming of age.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
8C — ClearNo conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Safe for sensitive readers.
Content Flags
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
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Good-Bye Stacey, Good-Bye
Ann M. Martin
Good-Bye Stacey, Good-Bye
Ann M. Martin
Good-bye, Stacey, Good-bye
Ann M. Martin
Good-bye, Stacey, Good-bye
Ann M. Martin
Bye-bye time!
Elizabeth Verdick
Bye-bye time!
Elizabeth Verdick
Stacey and the bad girls
Ann M. Martin
Stacey and the bad girls
Ann M. Martin
Stacey vs. the BSC
Ann M. Martin
Stacey vs. the BSC
Ann M. Martin
SAY GOODBYE
Francine Pascal
SAY GOODBYE
Francine Pascal
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9789994041084
- Pages
- 75
- Publisher
- Turtleback
- Published
- May 1994
- Type
- Fiction