Times of trial
Amy Schlabach
Times of trial
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
poem stories of Anabaptist martyrs for children
by Amy Schlabach
The text is written at a 2nd grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for younger children (ages 5–8), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
Some stories from long ago show courage that still shines today. Imagine brave kids who stood up for what they believed in, even when it was really hard. Their strength reminds us why standing up for what's right always matters.
Themes
Quick Assessment
Times of Trial is a historical fiction book featuring juvenile poetry that introduces young readers ages 5-8 to the lives of Anabaptist Christian martyrs. The language reflects the original early 20th-century text, preserving cultural and religious history. Parents should note the book contains themes of faith and sacrifice presented in a simple poetic form appropriate for early readers.
Why we rated Times of trial 7LE
Times of trial is written at a Level 2 reading level across 46 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 3.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Times of trial works for readers up to grade 4.0.
We rate Times of trial as 7LE ("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, Times of trial explores christian martyrs, religious faith, historical, and juvenile poetry — 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 martyrs, religious faith, historical.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
7LE — Light — EmotionalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
A Row of Lights (Times to Remember)
Lynne Broadbent
A Row of Lights (Times to Remember)
Lynne Broadbent
Christians courageous
Anne E. Schraff
Christians courageous
Anne E. Schraff
Saints and Heroes for Kids
Ethel Pochocki
Saints and Heroes for Kids
Ethel Pochocki
Stories from the Christian world
David Self
Stories from the Christian world
David Self
Courage and Strength
Stephen Elkins
Courage and Strength
Stephen Elkins
Saints and Heroes for Kids
Ethel Pochocki
Saints and Heroes for Kids
Ethel Pochocki
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781933753195
- Pages
- 46
- Publisher
- Palala Press
- Published
- 2011
- Type
- Fiction