Literature by doing
Susan Jane Tchudi
Literature by doing
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
responding to poetry, essays, drama, and short stories
by Susan Jane Tchudi
The text is written at a 6th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is gentle with no concerning themes.
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About This Book
Have you ever wondered what stories from around the world can teach you about writing? Imagine diving into classic and new tales, then trying your hand at creating your own. What secrets will you uncover about storytelling?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This anthology offers a thematic collection of classic and contemporary literature from diverse global authors, paired with writing assignments designed to enhance composition skills. Suitable for middle-grade readers, it encourages literary exploration and creative expression. There is no intense content, making it appropriate for ages 9-12.
Why we rated Literature by doing 11LT
Literature by doing is written at a Level 6 reading level across 278 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Literature by doing works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Literature by doing as 11LT ("Light — Thematic") 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, Literature by doing explores readers, english language, composition and exercises, and multicultural — 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 readers, english language, composition and exercises.
- ✓ 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
11LT — Light — ThematicNo 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
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780844255347
- Pages
- 278
- Publisher
- Glencoe/McGraw-Hill
- Published
- 1990
- Type
- Nonfiction