Science Matters: Simple Machines Books in Order
Science Matters: Simple Machines is a 6-book series by Jennifer Howse for ages 5–8, at a grades 4–5 reading level, with gentle content (HootRated intensity 1/5).
- Books
- 6
- By publication date
- Content intensity
- Gentle
- HootRated 1/5
Science Matters: Simple Machines Reading Order
Series numbers aren't available for most Science Matters: Simple Machines books, so they're listed by publication date (oldest first).
| # | Title | Reading Level | Ages | Content |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Inclined planes 2009 | Level 5-6 | 5-8 | Gentle |
| 2 | Levers 2009 | Level 4-5 | 5-8 | Gentle |
| 3 | Pulleys 2009 · James De Medeiros | Level 5-6 | 5-8 | Gentle |
| 4 | Screws 2009 · Michael De Medeiros | Level 4-5 | 5-8 | Gentle |
| 5 | Wedges 2010 · Tatiana Tomljanovic | Level 4-5 | 5-8 | Gentle |
| 6 | Wheels and axles 2010 · Michael De Medeiros | Level 5-6 | 5-8 | Gentle |
Content Intensity Across the Series
ConsistentContent stays at a steady intensity level throughout the series.
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 a grades 4–5 reading level, with average content intensity 1/5. Intensity stays consistent across the series, so a reader who can handle the first book can generally handle the rest.
The reading-order table above lists every book with per-volume reading level, age and intensity ratings 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.
All Science Matters: Simple Machines Books
Inclined planes
Jennifer Howse
Inclined planes
Jennifer Howse
Levers
Jennifer Howse
Levers
Jennifer Howse
Pulleys
James De Medeiros
Pulleys
James De Medeiros
Screws
Michael De Medeiros
Screws
Michael De Medeiros
Wedges
Tatiana Tomljanovic
Wedges
Tatiana Tomljanovic
Wheels and axles
Michael De Medeiros
Wheels and axles
Michael De Medeiros
Series Like Science Matters: Simple Machines: What to Read Next
Similar reading level, content intensity and themes.
- Young Explorer Series... by Kim Williams 8 books · Grades 4–5 · gentle content
- Science Matters: Studying the Sky by Christine Webster 5 books · Grades 4–6 · gentle content
- Great Zoos of the United States; PowerKids Press by Diana Estigarribia 5 books · Grades 4–5 · gentle content
- Map It!; PowerKids Press by Ian F. Mahaney 4 books · Grades 4–5 · gentle content
- Smithsonian Little Explorer; Little Zoologist by Sally Lee 3 books · Grades 4–5 · gentle content
- Science Matters: Earth Science by Melanie Ostopowich 6 books · Grades 4–5 · gentle to mild content
Questions about the Science Matters: Simple Machines series
- What reading level is the Science Matters: Simple Machines series?
- Science Matters: Simple Machines books are at a grades 4–5 reading level (average grade level 5), and HootRated recommends the series for ages 5–8. There are 6 books in the series.
- What order should I read the Science Matters: Simple Machines books?
- Series numbers aren't available for most Science Matters: Simple Machines books, so HootRated lists them by publication date: Inclined planes (2009); Levers (2009); Pulleys (2009); Screws (2009); Wedges (2010); and 1 more.
- What age is the Science Matters: Simple Machines series appropriate for?
- HootRated recommends Science Matters: Simple Machines for ages 5–8. Content is gentle (HootRated intensity 1/5). Intensity stays consistent across the series, so a reader who can handle the first book can generally handle the rest.