Lessons from the Art of Kempo
Fred Neff
Lessons from the Art of Kempo
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
Subtle and Effective Self-Defense
by Fred Neff
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
Have you ever wondered what secrets lie behind the powerful moves of Kempo? Imagine stepping into a world where every stance, punch, and kick tells a story of strength and discipline. What lessons will you uncover when ancient self-defense techniques come to life?
Themes
Quick Assessment
Lessons from the Art of Kempo introduces readers to the fundamental movements and techniques of Kempo martial arts, including stances, punches, kicks, and blocks. Suitable for young teens, the book combines detailed instruction with historical context, offering an engaging way to explore self-defense and discipline. Parents should note this is an educational fiction title aimed at middle to high school readers.
Why we rated Lessons from the Art of Kempo 9LP
Lessons from the Art of Kempo is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 112 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Lessons from the Art of Kempo works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Lessons from the Art of Kempo as 9LP ("Light — Physical") 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, Lessons from the Art of Kempo explores education, martial arts, discipline, and self-discovery — 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 education, martial arts, discipline.
- ✓ 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
9LP — Light — PhysicalLight 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
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780822595328
- Pages
- 112
- Publisher
- Lerner Publications
- Published
- December 1988
- Type
- Nonfiction