Defender of faith
Kim Washburn
Defender of faith
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
The Mike Fisher Story
by Kim Washburn
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
Mike Fisher isn’t just a hockey star—he’s a defender of faith on and off the ice. From scoring goals in the NHL to standing strong in his Christian beliefs, his story shows how courage and faith can win big both in sports and in life. Discover why his journey matters far beyond the rink.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade biography explores the life and career of NHL player Mike Fisher, highlighting his Christian faith alongside his athletic achievements. Suitable for ages 9-12, the book offers insights into sportsmanship, faith, and perseverance without intense content. It provides a positive role model for young readers interested in hockey and personal values.
Why we rated Defender of faith 9C
Defender of faith is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 158 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Defender of faith works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Defender of faith 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, Defender of faith explores sports, biography, religious life, and christian athletes — 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 sports, biography, religious life.
- ✓ 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
2/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780310738343
- Pages
- 158
- Publisher
- Zonderkidz
- Published
- 2014
- Type
- Nonfiction