A new life to live
Jimmy Putman
A new life to live
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
Jimmy Putman's Story
by Jimmy Putman
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 mild with minimal sensitive material.
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About This Book
What if you discovered a secret about your own family that could change everything? Imagine being the hidden son of a famous politician, then finding hope and a brand new life through faith. But how does someone leave the past behind and start fresh?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade novel tells the inspiring, fictionalized story of a boy who learns he is the illegitimate son of a powerful politician and experiences a profound spiritual transformation. Set against the backdrop of Alabama and church outreach to troubled youth, it explores themes of identity, faith, and redemption appropriate for ages 9-12. The story handles complex family issues and personal growth with sensitivity and hope.
Why we rated A new life to live 9LE
A new life to live is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 178 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, A new life to live works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate A new life to live as 9LE ("Light — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Mild" range — mild conflict — the kind a child encounters in normal play and sibling life. Across our four dimensions (emotional, physical, social, thematic) the book reads as evenly mild; no single dimension stands out as a concern.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the mild intensity score.
Thematically, A new life to live explores biography, faith & spirituality, family, identity & self-discovery, and community service — 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, faith & spirituality, family.
- ✓ Curious kids who prefer real-world topics over made-up stories.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9LE — Light — EmotionalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780553119060
- Pages
- 178
- Publisher
- Bantam Books
- Published
- 1980
- Type
- Nonfiction