Step by step
Jerry D. Thomas
Step by step
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
Helping Children Understand the Principles of Steps to Christ
by Jerry D. Thomas
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 sun beams through the window as a child takes their first step toward kindness and faith. Suddenly, a question whispers in the air—what does it truly mean to follow Jesus? The next moment could change everything.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This early reader introduces children ages 5-8 to foundational Christian principles through simple stories inspired by Ellen White's Steps to Christ. Each chapter focuses on a key teaching designed to gently guide young readers in understanding Christian discipleship. The book is appropriate for young children and includes quotes to reinforce the lessons.
Why we rated Step by step 8LT
Step by step is written at a Level 3 reading level across 80 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 4.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Step by step works for readers up to grade 5.0.
We rate Step by step as 8LT ("Light — Thematic") 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, Step by step explores christian life, faith, discipleship, and early readers — 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 christian life, faith, discipleship.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
8LT — Light — ThematicNo 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
- 9780816322770
- Pages
- 80
- Publisher
- Pacific Press Publishing Association
- Published
- 2008
- Type
- Fiction