A deaf child listened
Anne E. Neimark
A deaf child listened
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
Thomas Gallaudet, Pioneer in American Education
by Anne E. Neimark
The text is written at a 4th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is gentle with no concerning themes.
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About This Book
Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet changed the world for deaf children forever. He didn’t just teach—he listened, learned, and created a whole new way for kids to communicate. His story shows how one person’s kindness and determination can make a difference that lasts for centuries.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade biography introduces readers to Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet, a pioneer in deaf education during the early 19th century. It highlights his dedication to creating effective teaching methods for deaf children, emphasizing historical context and the lasting impact of his work. Suitable for ages 9-12, the book portrays a positive message about perseverance and inclusivity without intense content.
Why we rated A deaf child listened 9C
A deaf child listened is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 116 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, A deaf child listened works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate A deaf child listened as 9C ("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.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the gentle intensity score.
Thematically, A deaf child listened explores biography, history, education, and disability representation — 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.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about biography, history, education.
- ✓ Curious kids who prefer real-world topics over made-up stories.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers whose emotional readiness lags behind their decoding skills — this book's intensity outruns its reading level, a classic "gifted kid" mismatch.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9C — ClearNo conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Safe for sensitive readers.
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
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0688017193
- Pages
- 116
- Publisher
- William Morrow & Company
- Published
- 1983
- Type
- Nonfiction