Bullying
Delwyn P. Tattum, Graham Herbert
Bullying
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
Home, School and Community
by Delwyn P. Tattum, Graham Herbert
The text is written at a 4th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content has moderate intensity with some emotionally heavy themes.
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About This Book
The sharp ring of the school bell echoes through the hallways, but not everyone feels safe when the noise fades away. Whispers and footsteps follow Jamie everywhere, making each day heavier than the last. Can kindness break through the shadow of bullying before it grows too dark?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fiction book explores the complex issue of bullying by examining behaviors in children and the influence of adult role models. It offers insight into prevention and intervention strategies suitable for school and community settings, making it a thoughtful choice for readers aged 9 to 12. Parents should note the book addresses sensitive topics like school violence and behavior disorders in a way appropriate for upper elementary readers.
Why we rated Bullying 9ME
Bullying is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 198 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Bullying works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Bullying 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, physical peril — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Bullying, School Violence, Behavior Disorders in Children.
Thematically, Bullying explores bullying, school violence, behavior disorders in children, family, and social justice — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers. Each of these themes is concrete enough to seed a real conversation, not just a moral lesson.
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 bullying, school violence, behavior disorders in children.
- ✓ 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.
- ! Children who are sensitive to violence, even when handled at age-appropriate levels.
- ! 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
5/10Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781853464454
- Pages
- 198
- Publisher
- David Fulton
- Published
- 1997
- Type
- Nonfiction