Children and addiction
Gennaro Ottomanelli
Children and addiction
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Gennaro Ottomanelli
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.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
What happens when kids face the challenge of addiction? Imagine the struggles and choices that can change a young person's life forever. There's so much to understand, but the journey to help is just beginning.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fiction book explores the complex issue of substance use among children, providing insight into the factors that contribute to addiction, including family, environment, and personal challenges. It offers detailed information on the effects of addiction and the recovery process, making it a valuable resource for parents, educators, and counselors. Suitable for ages 9-12, the book handles sensitive topics with care and includes case histories to aid understanding.
Why we rated Children and addiction 9ME
Children and addiction is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 140 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Children and addiction works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Children and addiction 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, social complexity — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Substance Use.
Thematically, Children and addiction explores substance use, family, education, recovery, and social impact — 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 substance use, family, education.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers who get easily upset by emotional or moderately dark scenes — the conflict here is real, not just background flavor.
- ! 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
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Child and Adolescent Drug and Substance Abuse
Louis A. Pagliaro
Child and Adolescent Drug and Substance Abuse
Louis A. Pagliaro
Adolescent Substance Abuse
John S. Wodarski
Adolescent Substance Abuse
John S. Wodarski
Children of Alcoholism
Barbara Wood
Children of Alcoholism
Barbara Wood
Teen Addiction (Contemporary Issues Companion)
Jill Karson
Teen Addiction (Contemporary Issues Companion)
Jill Karson
Adult Drug and Alcohol Problems, Children's Needs, Second Edition
Joy Barlow
Adult Drug and Alcohol Problems, Children's Needs, Second Edition
Joy Barlow
Children of Methamphetamine-Involved Families
Wendy Haight
Children of Methamphetamine-Involved Families
Wendy Haight
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0275951715
- Pages
- 140
- Publisher
- Praeger
- Published
- 1995
- Type
- Fiction