Child abuse, a reader and source book
Edsel L. Erickson, Alan W. McEvoy, Nicholas D. Colucci
Child abuse, a reader and source book
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
A Guidebook for Educators & Community Leaders
by Edsel L. Erickson, Alan W. McEvoy, Nicholas D. Colucci
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 intense and may include graphic or distressing scenes.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
What happens when a child's safe world feels like it's falling apart? Imagine facing secrets and struggles that no kid should have to face, while trying to find hope in the darkest moments. Can courage shine through when everything seems lost?
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fiction book explores the challenging theme of child abuse with sensitivity appropriate for ages 9-12. It provides insight into the complex emotions and situations surrounding abuse, aiming to foster understanding and empathy. Parents should be aware that the content may be intense and is best suited for mature readers within the target age group.
Why we rated Child abuse, a reader and source book 12IE
Child abuse, a reader and source book is written at a Level 7 reading level across 317 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 8.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Child abuse, a reader and source book works for readers up to grade 9.0.
We rate Child abuse, a reader and source book as 12IE ("Intense — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Intense" range — intense conflict including peril, frightening scenes, or emotionally heavy themes. The strongest signals come from emotional weight, social complexity, thematic difficulty — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Child Abuse.
Thematically, Child abuse, a reader and source book explores family, coming of age, 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 family, coming of age, social justice.
Maybe not for
- ! Sensitive readers who get overwhelmed by intense conflict or scary scenes.
- ! Children younger than 9-12 — the content intensity is above what most younger kids can process comfortably.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
12IE — Intense — EmotionalHeavy themes explored in depth. War, death, abuse addressed directly.
Content Flags
Was our "Intense" 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
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Child abuse
Gail Stewart
Child abuse
Gail Stewart
Child abuse
Byrgen Finkelman
Child abuse
Byrgen Finkelman
Child Abuse
Susheela Bhan
Child Abuse
Susheela Bhan
Child abuse
Byrgen Finkelman
Child abuse
Byrgen Finkelman
Child abuse
Jean Marie Leverich
Child abuse
Jean Marie Leverich
Child abuse
Robert M. Reece
Child abuse
Robert M. Reece
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780335002306
- Pages
- 317
- Publisher
- The Open University Press
- Published
- 1978
- Type
- Fiction