Ban This Book
Alan Gratz
Ban This Book
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
A Novel
by Alan Gratz
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
Have you ever wondered what happens when your favorite book disappears from the library? Imagine a brave girl who refuses to let her story be silenced, so she creates a secret library in her school locker. But can she keep her rebellious collection hidden, or will the school discover her daring plan?
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fiction novel follows a determined young girl who challenges the banning of her favorite book by establishing an unauthorized locker library at school. It addresses themes of censorship, freedom of expression, and standing up for what you believe in, making it suitable for readers aged 9-12. Parents should note the story includes discussions around book banning but remains age-appropriate and inspiring.
Why we rated Ban This Book 11LE
Ban This Book is written at a Level 6 reading level across 256 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Ban This Book works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Ban This Book as 11LE ("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, Ban This Book explores friendship, coming of age, family, social justice, and adventure — 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.
- ✓ Readers ready to talk through themes after they finish — there's enough substance for a meaningful conversation.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about friendship, coming of age, family.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11LE — Light — EmotionalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
2/10A 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
- 9780765385567
- Pages
- 256
- Publisher
- Starscape
- Published
- Aug 29, 2017
- Type
- Fiction