Alive and Well?
Frank Newport
Alive and Well?
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Frank Newport
The text is written at a 6th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is gentle with no concerning themes.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
Did you know that most Americans believe in God and that religion shapes so much of their daily lives and choices? This book reveals surprising facts about how religion connects with where people live, how much money they make, and even their political views. Understanding this could change the way you see the world around you.
Themes
Quick Assessment
God Is Alive and Well by Frank Newport offers an evidence-based look at the role of religion in American society, drawing on over a million Gallup interviews. Suitable for middle-grade readers, it explores how religion influences social status, politics, and personal beliefs without graphic content. Parents should note it includes complex social concepts presented in an accessible way for ages 9-12.
Why we rated Alive and Well? 11C
Alive and Well? is written at a Level 6 reading level across 288 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Alive and Well? works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Alive and Well? as 11C ("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, Alive and Well? explores religion, american society, social science, belief systems, and cultural influence — 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 religion, american society, social science.
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
11C — 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
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Religion (Social Issues Firsthand)
Gillian Wolf
Religion (Social Issues Firsthand)
Gillian Wolf
Modern World Religions
Lynne Gibson
Modern World Religions
Lynne Gibson
Religion and Science
Joseph McCann
Religion and Science
Joseph McCann
Religions of Humanity
Chelsea House Publishers, Facts On File
Religions of Humanity
Chelsea House Publishers, Facts On File
Worldviews and Religion
Fritz Ridenour
Worldviews and Religion
Fritz Ridenour
Teens, Religion, & Values (Gallup Youth Survey: Major Issues and Trends)
Gail Snyder, Hal Marcovitz
Teens, Religion, & Values (Gallup Youth Survey: Major Issues and Trends)
Gail Snyder, Hal Marcovitz
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9789990029284
- Pages
- 288
- Publisher
- Simon and Schuster
- Published
- February 1991
- Type
- Fiction