PK
Bob Haslam
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
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
Bob Haslam's life as a preacher's kid during the Great Depression was full of wild adventures and tough challenges, from living off the land to facing secret dangers during World War II. He thought he knew exactly what his future held, but life—and God—had surprising plans that changed everything. This story shows why growing up in hard times can shape a hero in ways no one expects.
Themes
Quick Assessment
PK is a middle-grade historical fiction novel that explores the life of Bob Haslam growing up as a preacher's kid during the Great Depression and World War II. It offers an authentic look at economic hardship, family faith, and personal growth, making it suitable for ages 9-12. Parents should be aware that while the book deals with historical difficulties and some wartime fears, it does so in a manner appropriate for this age group.
Why we rated PK 9LE
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 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, PK explores coming of age, family, historical, faith, and personal narratives — 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.
- ✓ Readers ready to talk through themes after they finish — there's enough substance for a meaningful conversation.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about coming of age, family, historical.
- ✓ 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
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
4/10Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781619964693
- Pages
- 122
- Publisher
- Xulon Press
- Published
- 2012
- Type
- Nonfiction