The handbook for storytellers
Judy Freeman
The handbook for storytellers
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Judy Freeman
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.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
The crackle of a campfire, the whisper of pages turning, and the sparkle of imagination come alive in every story you tell. Feel the thrill of bringing characters and adventures to life with your own voice and creativity. Storytelling isn't just words—it's magic you can share with everyone around you.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This comprehensive handbook offers adults practical advice and clear guidelines on storytelling for children from babies to tweens. It covers when, where, and how to engage young listeners, making it a valuable resource for parents, educators, and librarians. The content is appropriate for ages 9-12 and focuses on fostering a love of stories without any intense or sensitive material.
Why we rated The handbook for storytellers 12C
The handbook for storytellers is written at a Level 7 reading level across 394 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 8.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The handbook for storytellers works for readers up to grade 9.0.
We rate The handbook for storytellers 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, The handbook for storytellers explores storytelling, activity programs, handbooks, and children's libraries — 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 storytelling, activity programs, handbooks.
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
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Show me a story
Emily K. Neuburger
Show me a story
Emily K. Neuburger
Handmade Tales
Dianne De las Casas
Handmade Tales
Dianne De las Casas
Storytellers Sourcebook
MacDonald, Margaret Read.
Storytellers Sourcebook
MacDonald, Margaret Read.
Storytelling
Irene Maria Blayer, Monica Sanchez
Storytelling
Irene Maria Blayer, Monica Sanchez
Storytellers (Storyteller Non-fiction)
Diana Short Yurkovic, Mary Foley
Storytellers (Storyteller Non-fiction)
Diana Short Yurkovic, Mary Foley
The student-centered classroom handbook
Bil Johnson
The student-centered classroom handbook
Bil Johnson
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780838911006
- Pages
- 394
- Publisher
- ALA Editions
- Published
- 2015
- Type
- Fiction