David
Barbara Cohen
David
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
A Biography
by Barbara Cohen
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
David wasn’t just a shepherd boy—he became one of the greatest kings in history, ruling Israel with courage and smarts. This story digs deep into who he really was, using exciting discoveries from archaeology and history to show why his leadership still matters today.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade retelling of King David’s story blends biblical narrative with modern archaeological and historical insights to present a well-rounded view of the ruler of Israel around 1000 B.C. Suitable for ages 9-12, it offers a thoughtful exploration of leadership and ancient culture without graphic content. Parents can expect a respectful and educational approach to this classic figure.
Why we rated David 9LT
David is written at a Level 4-5 reading level. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, David works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate David as 9LT ("Light — Thematic") 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, David explores bible, biography, historical, and leadership — 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 bible, biography, historical.
- ✓ 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
9LT — Light — ThematicNo 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
- ISBN
- 9780688088934
- Publisher
- HarperCollins Publishers
- Published
- 1924
- Type
- Nonfiction