Abortion
Joann Bren Guernsey
Abortion
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
Understanding the Controversy
by Joann Bren Guernsey
The text is written at a 4th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for teens (ages 13+), and the content has moderate intensity with some emotionally heavy themes.
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About This Book
Abortion is one of the most talked-about topics in the world, and this book dives into all sides of the debate. It breaks down the science, the laws, and the feelings involved, showing why it matters to everyone. Understanding these different views can change how you see the world around you.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This young adult fiction book explores the complex and sensitive topic of abortion by presenting multiple perspectives on its biological, medical, and legal dimensions. Intended for readers ages 13-18, it encourages critical thinking about social and ethical issues. Parents should note the mature themes and be prepared for discussions about controversial viewpoints.
Why we rated Abortion 9ME
Abortion is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 112 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Abortion works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Abortion as 9ME ("Moderate — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Moderate" range — moderate conflict that may involve loss, scary scenes, or interpersonal stakes. The strongest signals come from emotional weight, social complexity, thematic difficulty — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Sensitive Themes.
Thematically, Abortion explores social justice, ethical issues, and coming of age — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 13+ 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 social justice, ethical issues, coming of age.
- ✓ Curious kids who prefer real-world topics over made-up stories.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers who get easily upset by emotional or moderately dark scenes — the conflict here is real, not just background flavor.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9ME — Moderate — EmotionalReal stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.
Content Flags
Was our "Moderate" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A 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
- 0822526050
- Pages
- 112
- Publisher
- Lerner Publications
- Published
- April 1993
- Type
- Nonfiction