A leap of faith
Alcyon Ruth Fleck
A leap of faith
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Alcyon Ruth Fleck
The text is written at a 6th 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.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
What would you do if you dreamed of creating a safe home for children who had nowhere else to go? Imagine living in a place where danger lurks but hope grows stronger every day, and children’s smiles light up even the darkest moments. How far would you leap to make that dream come true?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade novel tells the inspiring story of a woman who founds an orphanage in war-torn Guatemala, guided by faith and determination. It explores themes of courage, hope, and the transformative power of love amidst civil conflict, suitable for ages 9-12. Parents should note the backdrop of war and the presence of some peril, though it is handled with sensitivity.
Why we rated A leap of faith 11ME
A leap of faith is written at a Level 6 reading level across 236 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, A leap of faith works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate A leap of faith as 11ME ("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, physical peril, social complexity — 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, A leap of faith explores friendship, family, faith, adventure, and social justice — 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 friendship, family, faith.
- ✓ Curious kids who prefer real-world topics over made-up stories.
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
11ME — 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
2/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
4/10Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
The courage of children
Peter Dalglish
The courage of children
Peter Dalglish
Dare to dream
Sally Hoelscher
Dare to dream
Sally Hoelscher
Faith on Fire
Helen Turnbull
Faith on Fire
Helen Turnbull
This Child of Faith
Sophfronia Scott
This Child of Faith
Sophfronia Scott
Faith wish
James W. Bennett
Faith wish
James W. Bennett
Daring disciples
Anne Russell
Daring disciples
Anne Russell
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0828017573
- Pages
- 236
- Publisher
- Review and Herald Pub Assoc
- Published
- 2003
- Type
- Nonfiction