Among the carnivores
Daniel Curzon
Among the carnivores
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Daniel Curzon
The text is written at a 7th 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
Here’s a secret: Jock Jones isn’t just any teacher—he’s someone who’s ready to change how people see the world. He’s brave, proud, and determined to break all the old ideas about who you can be. But that’s only the beginning.
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fiction features Jock Jones, an openly gay creative writing instructor at Fresno State University, who challenges stereotypes and promotes acceptance. Suitable for ages 9-12, it offers a positive portrayal of LGBTQ+ identity with themes of self-expression and social understanding. Parents should note the focus on breaking down prejudices in an age-appropriate manner.
Why we rated Among the carnivores 12LE
Among the carnivores is written at a Level 7 reading level across 377 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 8.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Among the carnivores works for readers up to grade 9.0.
We rate Among the carnivores as 12LE ("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, Among the carnivores explores lgbtq+ representation, coming of age, family, and friendship — 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 lgbtq+ representation, coming of age, family.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers whose emotional readiness lags behind their decoding skills — this book's intensity outruns its reading level, a classic "gifted kid" mismatch.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
12LE — 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
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0879491248
- Pages
- 377
- Publisher
- Ashley Books
- Published
- 1978
- Type
- Fiction