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PK

Bob Haslam

Cover of PK

PK

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

A Preacher's Kid Comes of Age During the Great Depression and World War II

by Bob Haslam

Reading Level 4-5 Unrated Ages 9-12

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.

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About This Book

Growing up as a preacher's kid (PK) is anything but easy-especially for a boy during the Great Depression when outhouses were plentiful and food was scarce. In scenes reminiscent of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn, Bob Haslam's life moved from one adventure to another. With his family living during the Great Depression on food stamps in the offering plate, plus living off the land, assisted by Pound Parties where church families brought in pounds of sugar, flour, etc., they somehow managed to survive. Coming of age under such circumstances was enhanced by moral and spiritual formation fostered by Bob's father and mother. As he grew into his teen years, Bob had a dream career all marked out. But God had other ideas. You will find an amazing correlation between the current economic downturn with millions out of work, and the time the author writes about. Living in the Pacific Northwest where Japanese attacks were expected after Pearl Harbor, Bob gives you facts that were kept secret during World War II and are largely unknown by contemporary Americans. Follow Bob on his bumpy ride as a preacher's kid during one scrape after another, ultimately coming of age as a responsible young man. BIO Bob Haslam has served as a pastor, missionary educator, missions executive, editor of his denominational magazine, book editor, and online mentor for hundreds of writing students. His writing has appeared in 80 publications and 13 books.

Quick Assessment

This is a Level 4-5 book. No notable content concerns flagged. Written for readers ages 9-12.

Why we rated PK Level 0

PK is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 122 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, PK works for readers up to grade 6.5.

We rate PK as Unrated because the content sits in the "Unrated" range — no conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences.

No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the unrated intensity score.

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.
  • 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

Level 0 — Unrated
Gentle Mild Moderate Intense Very Intense

This book has not yet been rated for content intensity.

Data confidence: standard

Was our "Unrated" content intensity rating accurate for this book?

Reading Insights

Hook Factor

1/10

A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.

Discussion Potential

1/10

A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

Vocabulary Level
4
Theme Richness
1
World Scope
5
Data Confidence
4

Details

Book Length

122 pages
ISBN
9781619964693
Pages
122
Publisher
Xulon Press
Published
2012
Type
Nonfiction

Genres

Subjects

Children of ClergyDepressionsPersonal Narratives

People

Bob Haslam

Places

Washington (State)