HootRated mascot HootRated

Children in crises

Sharon R. Morgan

Cover of Children in crises

Children in crises

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

A Team Approach in the Schools

by Sharon R. Morgan

Reading Level 6 11IE Ages 9-12 Matched

The text is written at a 6th 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

Some kids face storms most don’t see, but their courage shines through every challenge. This story reveals how young heroes navigate tough times with strength and hope. Discover why their journeys matter more than you ever imagined.

Themes

Teacher participation in educational counselingPeer counseling of studentsChildren of divorced parentsAbused childrenMentally ill childrenFriendshipFamilyComing of Age

Quick Assessment

This middle-grade fiction explores real-life challenges faced by children dealing with family changes, abuse, and mental health struggles. Through compelling case studies woven into the narrative, it highlights the importance of educational and peer counseling. Suitable for ages 9-12, it approaches sensitive topics with care and insight.

Why we rated Children in crises 11IE

Children in crises is written at a Level 6 reading level across 253 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Children in crises works for readers up to grade 8.0.

We rate Children in crises as 11IE ("Intense — 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, thematic difficulty — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.

No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the moderate intensity score.

Thematically, Children in crises explores teacher participation in educational counseling, peer counseling of students, children of divorced parents, abused children, and mentally ill children — 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 teacher participation in educational counseling, peer counseling of students, children of divorced parents.
  • 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.
  • ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.

For Parents

Content Intensity

11IE — Intense — Emotional
Emotional
Intense
Physical
Light
Social
Moderate
Thematic
Moderate

Real stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.

Data confidence: standard

Was our "Moderate" content intensity rating accurate for this book?

Reading Insights

Hook Factor

1/10

A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.

Discussion Potential

4/10

Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

Vocabulary Level
5
Emotional Weight
6
Theme Richness
8
World Scope
1
Data Confidence
7

Similar Books

Based on content and theme analysis

See all books like this →

Details

Book Length

253 pages
ISBN
9780887441554
Pages
253
Publisher
College-Hill Press
Published
1985
Type
Nonfiction

Genres

Subjects

Teacher Participation in Educational CounselingCase StudiesPeer Counseling of StudentsChildren of Divorced ParentsEducationAbused ChildrenMentally Ill ChildrenProblem ChildrenChild PsychotherapyCas, Études DeEnfants De DivorcésParticipation Aux Services Personnels Aux ÉlèvesCounseling Par Un Groupe De PairsÉducationEnfants DifficilesEnseignantsEnfants MaltraitésEnfants Malades MentauxMentally Ill Children, EducationProblem Children, Education