Reviewed by HootRated editorial · Last updated
In his father's footsteps
Danielle Steel
In his father's footsteps
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
a novel
by Danielle Steel
The text is written at a 8th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content has moderate intensity with some emotionally heavy themes.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
There’s a secret hidden in family stories—one that travels across oceans and through the toughest times. A young boy follows the path his father once took, stepping into a world of challenges and unexpected friendships, but that’s only the beginning.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade novel explores themes of family legacy, social mobility, and the immigrant experience, set against the backdrop of historical challenges including concentration camps. Suitable for ages 9-12, it introduces complex themes like man-woman relationships and wealth, making it important for parents to be aware of its mature topics. The story offers valuable lessons about resilience and identity while presenting sensitive historical content thoughtfully.
Why we rated In his father's footsteps 12ME
In his father's footsteps is written at a Level 8 reading level across 416 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 9.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, In his father's footsteps works for readers up to grade 10.0.
We rate In his father's footsteps as 12ME ("Moderate — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Moderate" range — moderate conflict that may involve loss, scary scenes, or interpersonal stakes. The strongest signals come from emotional weight — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Loss & Grief, Fear & Anxiety, Identity & Self-Discovery, Historical.
Thematically, In his father's footsteps explores coming of age, family, immigrants, social mobility, and historical — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers. Each of these themes is concrete enough to seed a real conversation, not just a moral lesson.
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.
- ✓ Family book clubs, classroom read-alouds, and parents who want a strong conversation hook.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about coming of age, family, immigrants.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers who get easily upset by emotional or moderately dark scenes — the conflict here is real, not just background flavor.
- ! Children currently coping with grief — the themes may hit close to home.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
12ME — Moderate — EmotionalReal stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.
Content Flags
Was our "Moderate" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
7/10Rich themes that spark meaningful family conversation. Great for book clubs and read-alouds.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
In my father's house
Ann Rinaldi
In my father's house
Ann Rinaldi
In my father's house
Brock Thoene
In my father's house
Brock Thoene
Inherited Family
Robert B. Fox
Inherited Family
Robert B. Fox
Father's Way Home
Tristan Jacob Felin
Father's Way Home
Tristan Jacob Felin
To my daughter in France
Barbara Keating
To my daughter in France
Barbara Keating
Sins of the father
Eileen Franklin
Sins of the father
Eileen Franklin
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781984827647
- Pages
- 416
- Publisher
- Random House Large Print
- Published
- 2018
- Type
- Fiction