A Clash of Values
William M. Mandelaris
A Clash of Values
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
Are the Media and Other Outside Influences Undermining Our Family Principles?
by William M. Mandelaris
The text is written at a 6th 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
The media isn’t just on your screen; it’s shaping what families believe and how they live—whether you notice it or not. Imagine values slipping away like sand through your fingers, changing what’s right and wrong. This story shows why understanding this clash matters more than ever.
Themes
Quick Assessment
A Clash of Values explores the powerful influence of mass media on the American family and its changing values. Geared toward middle-grade readers, the book encourages thoughtful discussion about media's role in shaping beliefs and behaviors. Parents should note the book examines moral and social themes relevant to preteens without explicit content.
Why we rated A Clash of Values 11MS
A Clash of Values is written at a Level 6 reading level across 240 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, A Clash of Values works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate A Clash of Values as 11MS ("Moderate — Social") because the content sits in the "Mild" range — mild conflict — the kind a child encounters in normal play and sibling life. The strongest signals come from social complexity, thematic difficulty — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the mild intensity score.
Thematically, A Clash of Values explores family, social justice, mass media, parenting, and sociology — 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, social justice, mass media.
- ✓ 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
11MS — Moderate — SocialLight 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
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 1893160009
- Pages
- 240
- Publisher
- Desert Sky Publishing Company
- Published
- November 22, 1999
- Type
- Nonfiction