The goodby people.
Gavin Lambert
The goodby people.
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Gavin Lambert
The text is written at a 4th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content has moderate intensity with some emotionally heavy themes.
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About This Book
Some people are masters of saying goodbye — not just to places, but to their own lives as they know them. In a world where nothing stays the same and everyone is moving away, can they find something real before it’s too late? Their story shows why every ending might be the start of something new.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade novel follows a group of characters who constantly change homes and lives, exploring themes of change, despair, and self-discovery. While the story portrays a somber atmosphere, it’s suitable for ages 9-12 and offers a thoughtful look at navigating difficult emotions and transitions. Parents should be aware of its mature themes presented in a literary style.
Why we rated The goodby people. 9ME
The goodby people. is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 191 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The goodby people. works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate The goodby people. as 9ME ("Moderate — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Moderate" range — moderate conflict that may involve loss, scary scenes, or interpersonal stakes. The strongest signals come from emotional weight, thematic difficulty — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the moderate intensity score.
Thematically, The goodby people. explores coming of age, family, friendship, and emotional growth — 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.
- ✓ Readers ready to talk through themes after they finish — there's enough substance for a meaningful conversation.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about coming of age, family, friendship.
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
9ME — Moderate — EmotionalReal stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.
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
- 0671208209
- Pages
- 191
- Publisher
- Simon and Schuster
- Published
- 1971
- Type
- Fiction