Good Samaritan
Kath Mellentin
Good Samaritan
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Kath Mellentin
Illustrated by Susie Poole
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.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
What would you do if you saw someone hurt on the road? Imagine a story where kindness crosses boundaries and surprises everyone. Who will step up to help, and why does it matter so much?
Themes
Quick Assessment
Good Samaritan retells the classic biblical parable using engaging pop-ups, pull-tabs, and hidden pictures, making it accessible for children aged 9 to 12. This middle-grade fiction book introduces religious themes gently through interactive storytelling, suitable for young readers exploring Bible stories. The content is appropriate for this age group with no intense or mature themes.
Why we rated Good Samaritan 9C
Good Samaritan 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, Good Samaritan works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Good Samaritan 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, Good Samaritan explores religion - biblical stories, kindness, moral lessons, and interactive storytelling — 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 - biblical stories, kindness, moral lessons.
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
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
Good Samaritan, The
Kath Mellentin
Good Samaritan, The
Kath Mellentin
Good Samaritan
Karen Williamson
Good Samaritan
Karen Williamson
The story of the good Samaritan
Penny Frank
The story of the good Samaritan
Penny Frank
The Good Samaritan (Open Your Eyes Collection)
American Bible Society
The Good Samaritan (Open Your Eyes Collection)
American Bible Society
The Good Samaritan (Usbonre Bible Tales Readers)
Heather Amery
The Good Samaritan (Usbonre Bible Tales Readers)
Heather Amery
The story of the Good Samaritan
Penny Frank
The story of the Good Samaritan
Penny Frank
Details
- ISBN
- 9780613977104
- Publisher
- Tandem Library
- Published
- June 2003
- Type
- Fiction