Shakespeare for Children
Velma Bourgeois Richmond
Shakespeare for Children
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
Edwardian Retellings in Words and Pictures
by Velma Bourgeois Richmond
The text is written at a 7th 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
What if the stories of Shakespeare, full of kings, queens, magic, and mystery, were told just for you? Imagine stepping into magical worlds where classic tales come alive with colorful pictures and exciting adventures. But can these old stories keep up with your wild imagination?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This book explores how Shakespeare's works have been adapted into children's literature over the centuries, focusing on famous retellings like the Lambs' Tales from Shakespeare. Suitable for ages 9-12, it provides historical insights into how complex stories have been made accessible and engaging for young readers. Parents should note this is a nonfiction study rather than a storybook, ideal for children interested in literature and performing arts.
Why we rated Shakespeare for Children 12C
Shakespeare for Children is written at a Level 7 reading level across 373 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 8.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Shakespeare for Children works for readers up to grade 9.0.
We rate Shakespeare for Children as 12C ("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, Shakespeare for Children explores performing arts, historical, literature adaptation, 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 performing arts, historical, literature adaptation.
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
12C — 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
- 9781882513710
- Pages
- 373
- Publisher
- McFarland
- Published
- January 1999
- Type
- Fiction