Going the distance
Stephanie Perry Moore
Going the distance
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Stephanie Perry Moore
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
Alec London isn’t just any kid—he’s a young hero learning to navigate life’s toughest challenges with courage and faith. From family struggles to tough choices, Alec shows that strength comes from within and from the values you hold dear. His journey proves that growing up isn’t about avoiding problems, but about facing them head-on and coming out stronger.
Themes
Quick Assessment
"Going the Distance" follows Alec London, a relatable middle-grade character who encounters real-life family issues and moral dilemmas. This Christian-themed fiction offers positive character-building lessons suitable for readers aged 9 to 12, focusing on resilience, faith, and personal growth. Parents will appreciate its gentle approach to discussing family problems within a framework of strong ethical guidance.
Why we rated Going the distance 9LE
Going the distance is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 160 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Going the distance works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Going the distance 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, Going the distance explores christian life, family, coming of age, and african americans — 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 christian life, family, coming of age.
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
- 9780802404121
- Pages
- 160
- Publisher
- Moody Publishers
- Published
- 2012
- Type
- Fiction