Daddy says
Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers 2003
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 5.9 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
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Genre
Themes
- father-daughter relationships
- identity
- coming of age
- family dynamics
- independence
- gender roles
- self-expression
- resilience
About this book
This lyrical coming-of-age novel follows a Black teenage girl as she navigates her father’s rules and sayings—what “Daddy says”—while discovering her own voice. Set within a close-knit family and community, it explores how love, authority, and tradition can both protect and limit a young person. Readers who enjoy character-driven stories and poetic language will connect with the narrator’s search for identity, independence, and self-expression. Sensitive themes are handled with honesty and care, making it a strong choice for mature high school readers.
Setting: contemporary urban United States
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Daddy says right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Daddy says. The reading level is AR 5.9, which is typical for 5th grade. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 14+ (9th–12th grade). Themes include father-daughter relationships, identity, coming of age.
How long does it take to read Daddy says?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Daddy says takes around 4.7h to finish. The book has 46,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Daddy says have an AR quiz?
Yes — Daddy says has an AR quiz available, worth 6 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is Daddy says?
Daddy says has an AR reading level of 5.9, which places it at a 5th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.