Leap of Faith
Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
Leap of Faith
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
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
The crisp scent of old stage curtains fills the air as Abigail steps onto the theater stage for the first time. She feels the rough wooden boards beneath her feet and hears the hush of an expectant crowd. In the quiet spotlight, Abigail begins to discover who she really is — and what she truly believes.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade novel follows Abigail, a girl sent to a Catholic school due to behavioral issues, who finds solace and identity through theater and faith. Suitable for ages 9-12, it explores themes of personal growth, spirituality, and alternative family dynamics with sensitivity. Parents should note the story includes religious themes centered on Christian faith development.
Why we rated Leap of Faith 9LE
Leap of Faith is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 192 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Leap of Faith works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Leap of Faith 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, Leap of Faith explores religious - christian, family - alternative family, performing arts - theater, and coming of age — 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 religious - christian, family - alternative family, performing arts - theater.
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
- 9780803731271
- Pages
- 192
- Publisher
- Dial Books
- Published
- July 5, 2007
- Type
- Fiction