The family
Elaine Goodman
The family
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow
by Elaine Goodman
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
Who would want to hurt a powerful Roman senator? In the heart of ancient Rome, slaves face a terrible fate after their master is found dead. Can the true culprit be found before it's too late?
Quick Assessment
Set in ancient Rome, this middle-grade historical fiction explores a murder mystery involving a Roman senator and his slaves, who face dire consequences. Suitable for ages 9-12, it introduces young readers to historical themes while weaving suspense and moral questions about justice and innocence. The story contains mild peril but is appropriate for this age group.
Why we rated The family 9LE
The family is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 114 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The family works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate The family 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, The family explores family, history, and mystery — 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 family, history, mystery.
- ✓ 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
2/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0374322600
- Pages
- 114
- Publisher
- Farrar, Straus & Giroux (BYR)
- Published
- 1975
- Type
- Nonfiction