The Shushan Chronicle
Yaffa Gottlieb
The Shushan Chronicle
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
The Story of Purim Based on the Midrash
by Yaffa Gottlieb
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 mild with minimal sensitive material.
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About This Book
The scent of spiced scrolls fills the air as colorful lanterns flicker in the palace halls. Whispered secrets swirl around Esther and Mordechai, while shadows hint at daring plans and hidden dangers. This magical moment is just the start of a story that will warm your heart and spark your courage.
Quick Assessment
This illustrated retelling of the Purim story, inspired by Midrashic sources, introduces young readers to the characters of Esther, Mordechai, Achashveirosh, and Haman in an engaging and accessible way. Suitable for children ages 5-8, it blends history with humor and excitement to convey cultural heritage and values. The book is appropriate for early readers and emphasizes themes of bravery, faith, and celebration.
Why we rated The Shushan Chronicle 8LE
The Shushan Chronicle is written at a Level 3 reading level across 56 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 4.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The Shushan Chronicle works for readers up to grade 5.0.
We rate The Shushan Chronicle as 8LE ("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 Shushan Chronicle explores historical, family, adventure, and multicultural — 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.
- ✓ Readers ready to talk through themes after they finish — there's enough substance for a meaningful conversation.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about historical, family, adventure.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
8LE — 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
4/10Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0922613397
- Pages
- 56
- Publisher
- Hachai Publishing
- Published
- 1991
- Type
- Fiction