Renaldo Nehemiah
Don Pierson
Renaldo Nehemiah
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
The Bionic Hurdler
by Don Pierson
The text is written at a 2nd grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for younger children (ages 5–8), and the content is gentle with no concerning themes.
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About This Book
Have you ever wondered what it takes to leap over hurdles faster than anyone else? Imagine running so quickly that you break records and inspire everyone around you. What challenges will Renaldo face on his way to becoming a track and field star?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This early reader biography introduces young children to Renaldo Nehemiah, a record-setting hurdler and track and field athlete. It highlights his achievements in a simple, engaging way suitable for ages 5 to 8, with content appropriate for early readers. Parents can expect a positive story about dedication and athletic success without any intense or sensitive themes.
Why we rated Renaldo Nehemiah 7C
Renaldo Nehemiah is written at a Level 2 reading level across 43 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 3.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Renaldo Nehemiah works for readers up to grade 4.0.
We rate Renaldo Nehemiah as 7C ("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, Renaldo Nehemiah explores biography, sports, african american representation, and juvenile literature — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 5-8 range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about biography, sports, african american representation.
- ✓ 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
7C — ClearNo conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Safe for sensitive readers.
Was our "Gentle" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
2/10A 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
- 0516043080
- Pages
- 43
- Publisher
- Children's Press
- Published
- 1980
- Type
- Nonfiction