Robert Raikes
J. Henry Harris
Robert Raikes
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
The Founder of Sunday School 1780 : the Story of how Sunday School Began
by J. Henry Harris
The text is written at a 3rd 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
The sharp clang of the printing press fades as Robert Raikes steps onto the cobblestone street, the crisp air filled with the chatter of children. Nearby, a wash woman’s worried voice rises above the noise, sparking a powerful idea that will change lives forever. From these simple moments, a magical journey begins—one where kindness and learning light the way.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This fictionalized retelling introduces young readers to Robert Raikes, the founder of Sunday Schools in 18th-century England. Intended for early readers ages 5-8, it explores themes of kindness, education, and transformation through faith in a historical context. The story is gentle and inspirational, suitable for children interested in history and moral lessons without any content concerns.
Why we rated Robert Raikes 8C
Robert Raikes is written at a Level 3 reading level across 76 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 4.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Robert Raikes works for readers up to grade 5.0.
We rate Robert Raikes as 8C ("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, Robert Raikes explores history, family, faith, and education — 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 history, family, faith.
- ✓ 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
8C — 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
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781414111650
- Pages
- 76
- Publisher
- Pleasant Word
- Published
- 2008
- Type
- Nonfiction