An Introduction to developmental disabilities
Frank R. Brown, Nick Elksnin
An Introduction to developmental disabilities
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
A Neurodevelopmental Perspective
by Frank R. Brown, Nick Elksnin
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
Jamie races across the playground, trying to keep up with friends, but sometimes their body just won’t cooperate. At school, words get tangled up in their mind, making it hard to speak or focus. What happens when Jamie faces a challenge no one else sees?
Quick Assessment
This book offers a thoughtful exploration of children with developmental disabilities, addressing motor, cognitive, language, and behavioral challenges. Written for middle-grade readers, it provides an interdisciplinary perspective suitable for ages 9-12, helping young readers understand and empathize with diverse learning needs. It is appropriate for children interested in special education topics or those seeking to learn more about developmental differences.
Why we rated An Introduction to developmental disabilities 11LP
An Introduction to developmental disabilities is written at a Level 6 reading level across 218 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, An Introduction to developmental disabilities works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate An Introduction to developmental disabilities as 11LP ("Light — Physical") 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.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Mild Peril, Emotional: Identity & Self-Discovery.
Thematically, An Introduction to developmental disabilities explores disability representation, family, friendship, and coming of age — 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 disability representation, family, friendship.
- ✓ 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
11LP — Light — PhysicalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Content Flags
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
- 9781565931039
- Pages
- 218
- Publisher
- Singular
- Published
- 1994
- Type
- Nonfiction