Growing in the Catholic Faith (Friendship in the Lord Series)
Michael F. Pennock
Growing in the Catholic Faith (Friendship in the Lord Series)
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Michael F. Pennock
The text is written at a 4th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for teens (ages 13+), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.
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About This Book
Faith isn’t just about rules—it’s about discovering who you are and your place in a big, loving story. This journey dives deep into friendship, self-worth, and what it truly means to grow in the Catholic faith. Understanding these ideas can change everything about how you see yourself and the world.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This book offers a structured and flexible curriculum rooted in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, designed for young teens beginning high school. It thoughtfully explores themes of personal growth, friendship, and Christian values, helping readers navigate faith in a secular world. Content is appropriate for ages 13 to 18, presenting religious education in an accessible and pastorally sound manner.
Why we rated Growing in the Catholic Faith (Friendship in the Lord Series) 9LE
Growing in the Catholic Faith (Friendship in the Lord Series) is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 168 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Growing in the Catholic Faith (Friendship in the Lord Series) works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Growing in the Catholic Faith (Friendship in the Lord Series) 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, Growing in the Catholic Faith (Friendship in the Lord Series) explores religion - christianity - general, christianity - theology - catholic, christian education, coming of age, and friendship — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 13+ 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 - christianity - general, christianity - theology - catholic, christian education.
- ✓ Curious kids who prefer real-world topics over made-up stories.
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
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780877934196
- Pages
- 168
- Publisher
- Ave Maria Press
- Published
- November 1998
- Type
- Nonfiction