What reading level is the Science Matters: Simple Machines series?

The Science Matters: Simple Machines series by Jennifer Howse is at a Grades 4.9–5.3 reading level (average Grade 5). Intended for Lower Grades (Ages 5–8). There are 6 books in the series.

What order should I read the Science Matters: Simple Machines books?

The Science Matters: Simple Machines series has 6 books in order: 1. Inclined planes, 2. Levers, 3. Pulleys, 4. Screws, 5. Wedges, and 1 more.

What age is the Science Matters: Simple Machines series appropriate for?

The Science Matters: Simple Machines series is recommended for Lower Grades (Ages 5–8). The average content intensity is 1/5.

Science Matters: Simple Machines Books in Order

6 books by Jennifer Howse. Reading level: Grades 4.9–5.3. Lower Grades (Ages 5–8).

Series books grow with readers — but that's also the trap. Most series start at one reading level and one content intensity and drift upward over the course of the run. Science Matters: Simple Machines (6 books by Jennifer Howse) lands at reading level Grades 4.9–5.3, with average content intensity 1/5. Intensity stays consistent across the series — a kid who can handle the first book can generally handle the rest.

The reading-order table below lists every book with per-volume reading level and intensity badges so you can spot any escalation before it catches your reader off guard. For a deeper dive into how we score text difficulty vs. emotional weight separately — and why series readers especially benefit from that split — see our methodology page.

Books

Grades 4.9–5.3

Reading Level

1/5

Avg. Intensity

Lower Grades

Content Intensity Across the Series

Consistent

Content stays at a steady intensity level throughout the series.

First book Latest book

Science Matters: Simple Machines Reading Order

#	Title	Reading Level	Content
1	Inclined planes Jennifer Howse	Level 5-6	Gentle
2	Levers Jennifer Howse	Level 4-5	Gentle
3	Pulleys James De Medeiros	Level 5-6	Gentle
4	Screws Michael De Medeiros	Level 4-5	Gentle
5	Wedges Tatiana Tomljanovic	Level 4-5	Gentle
6	Wheels and axles Michael De Medeiros	Level 5-6	Gentle

All Science Matters: Simple Machines Books

Inclined planes

Jennifer Howse

Inclined planes

Jennifer Howse

Level 5-6

Levers

Jennifer Howse

Levers

Jennifer Howse

Level 4-5

Pulleys

James De Medeiros

Pulleys

James De Medeiros

Level 5-6

Screws

Michael De Medeiros

Screws

Michael De Medeiros

Level 4-5

Wedges

Tatiana Tomljanovic

Wedges

Tatiana Tomljanovic

Level 4-5

Wheels and axles

Michael De Medeiros

Wheels and axles

Michael De Medeiros

Level 5-6

Questions about the Science Matters: Simple Machines series

What reading level is the Science Matters: Simple Machines series?: The Science Matters: Simple Machines series by Jennifer Howse is at a Grades 4.9–5.3 reading level (average Grade 5). Intended for Lower Grades (Ages 5–8). There are 6 books in the series.
What order should I read the Science Matters: Simple Machines books?: The reading-order table above lists all 6 books with per-volume reading level and intensity ratings. Start with book 1 and read in publication order unless the table indicates a different recommended order for newer readers.
What age is the Science Matters: Simple Machines series appropriate for?: The Science Matters: Simple Machines series is recommended for Lower Grades (Ages 5–8). The average content intensity is 1/5. Check the intensity trajectory above to see whether content gets heavier across the series — if it does, sensitive readers may want to stop earlier in the run.