Our Catholic Faith
Michael Pennock
Our Catholic Faith
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
Living what We Believe
by Michael Pennock
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
Discover the secret to understanding one of the world's oldest faiths with a guide that breaks down big ideas into simple truths. This book shows how belief shapes lives through stories, prayers, and teachings that have inspired millions. It matters because knowing your faith means discovering who you really are.
Themes
Quick Assessment
Our Catholic Faith offers a clear and accessible overview of the core teachings of the Catholic Church based on the Catechism's four pillars. Designed for children ages 9-12, it introduces foundational religious concepts, prayers, and practices suitable for middle-grade readers preparing for high school. The content is age-appropriate with no sensitive topics, making it a helpful resource for families seeking to deepen their child's understanding of Catholicism.
Why we rated Our Catholic Faith 11C
Our Catholic Faith is written at a Level 6 reading level across 288 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Our Catholic Faith works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Our Catholic Faith as 11C ("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, Our Catholic Faith explores religion - catholicism, prayer, christianity - theology, family, and education — 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 religion - catholicism, prayer, christianity - theology.
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
11C — 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
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781594710223
- Pages
- 288
- Publisher
- Ave Maria Press
- Published
- September 30, 2005
- Type
- Fiction