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
Amy Anne might seem quiet, but she’s a fierce defender of her favorite book! When her beloved story gets banned from the school library, she launches a clever and hilarious fight to bring books back—and show everyone that kids can change the world.
Themes
Quick Assessment
Ban This Book follows a fourth grader who challenges censorship after her favorite library book is removed. This middle-grade fiction encourages young readers to think critically about freedom of expression and standing up for what they believe in. Suitable for ages 9-12, it handles themes of censorship and activism with humor and heart.
Why we rated Ban this book 11LS
Ban this book is written at a Level 6 reading level across 255 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 11LS ("Light — Social") 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 books and reading, censorship, libraries, problem solving, 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 books and reading, censorship, libraries.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11LS — Light — 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
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780765385581
- Pages
- 255
- Publisher
- Starscape
- Published
- 2017
- Type
- Fiction