C. S. Lewis
The Man Behind Narnia
Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company 2005
Great fit for 7th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- imagination and creativity
- faith and doubt
- perseverance
- friendship and community
- grief and hope
- the writing life
- identity and purpose
About this book
This photo-rich biography invites readers to meet C. S. Lewis, from his imaginative Belfast childhood to his years as an Oxford professor and beloved author of The Chronicles of Narnia. Clear, engaging chapters and more than 50 archival photos show how his experiences, friendships, and faith shaped his stories. It’s a compelling behind-the-scenes look for middle-grade readers who love Narnia or enjoy learning how writers find their voice. Fans appreciate the accessible storytelling, inspiring life lessons, and fascinating glimpses of the Inklings and wartime England.
Setting: Belfast, Northern Ireland, and Oxford, England, early to mid-20th century (including the World Wars)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is C. S. Lewis right for my child?
Yes — C. S. Lewis is a great fit for 7th grade. The reading level is AR 7.1, which is typical for 7th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 9–14 (4th–8th grade). Themes include imagination and creativity, faith and doubt, perseverance.
How long does it take to read C. S. Lewis?
At a typical 7th grade reading pace, C. S. Lewis takes around 3.1h to finish. The book has 33,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does C. S. Lewis have an AR quiz?
Yes — C. S. Lewis has an AR quiz available, worth 5 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is C. S. Lewis?
C. S. Lewis has an AR reading level of 7.1, which places it at a 7th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.