In praise of our fathers and our mothers
Wade Hudson, Cheryl Willis Hudson
In praise of our fathers and our mothers
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
A Black Family Treasury by Outstanding Authors and Artists
by Wade Hudson, Cheryl Willis Hudson
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 makes a family truly special? Imagine stories and pictures from more than forty artists and writers, all celebrating their African American parents and ancestors. Their memories shine bright, but what secrets do these family stories hold?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This book brings together the voices and artwork of over forty African American writers and visual artists who express admiration for their families and ancestors. Suitable for ages 9-12, it offers a cultural and artistic exploration of African American family life and heritage. The content is appropriate for middle-grade readers, focusing on themes of family pride and identity without intense or distressing material.
Why we rated In praise of our fathers and our mothers 9C
In praise of our fathers and our mothers is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 131 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, In praise of our fathers and our mothers works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate In praise of our fathers and our mothers 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, In praise of our fathers and our mothers explores african american families, family, biography, multicultural, and art — 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 african american families, family, biography.
- ✓ 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
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
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Fathers Are Part of a Family
Lucia Raatma
Fathers Are Part of a Family
Lucia Raatma
In Praise of Our Fathers and Our Mothers
Wade Hudson
In Praise of Our Fathers and Our Mothers
Wade Hudson
Fathers Day Coloring Book : The Heartfelt Bond
Cynthia Chirwa
Fathers Day Coloring Book : The Heartfelt Bond
Cynthia Chirwa
Fathers Are Part of a Family
Lucia Raatma
Fathers Are Part of a Family
Lucia Raatma
Fathers Are Part of a Family
Lucia Raatma
Fathers Are Part of a Family
Lucia Raatma
Fathers, mothers, sisters, brothers
Mary Ann Hoberman
Fathers, mothers, sisters, brothers
Mary Ann Hoberman
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780940975590
- Pages
- 131
- Publisher
- Sankofa Books
- Published
- 1997
- Type
- Nonfiction