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Children in danger

James Garbarino, Nancy Dubrow, Kathleen Kostelny, Carole Pardo

Cover of Children in danger

Children in danger

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

Coping with the Consequences of Community Violence

by James Garbarino, Nancy Dubrow, Kathleen Kostelny, Carole Pardo

Reading Level 6 Unrated Ages 9-12

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 gentle with no concerning themes.

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About This Book

Childhood is ideally a time of safety, marked by freedom from the economic, sexual, and political demands that later become part of adult life. For many children, however, particularly those who live in our inner cities, childhood is increasingly a time of danger. In the urban war zones of Los Angeles, Chicago, and Washington, D.C., children grow up with firsthand knowledge of terror and violence. This book examines the threat to childhood development posed by living amid chronic community violence. Most importantly, it shows caregiving adults such as teachers, psychologists, social workers, and counselors how they can work together to help children while they are still children--before they become angry, aggressive adults.

Quick Assessment

This is a Level 6 book. No notable content concerns flagged. Written for readers ages 9-12.

Why we rated Children in danger Level 0

Children in danger is written at a Level 6 reading level across 262 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Children in danger works for readers up to grade 8.0.

We rate Children in danger as Unrated because the content sits in the "Unrated" range — no conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences.

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

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.
  • Curious kids who prefer real-world topics over made-up stories.

Maybe not for

  • ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.

For Parents

Content Intensity

Level 0 — Unrated
Gentle Mild Moderate Intense Very Intense

This book has not yet been rated for content intensity.

Data confidence: standard

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

Reading Insights

Hook Factor

1/10

A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.

Discussion Potential

1/10

A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

Vocabulary Level
5
Theme Richness
1
World Scope
3
Data Confidence
4

Details

Book Length

262 pages
ISBN
0787946540
Pages
262
Publisher
Jossey-Bass
Published
1992
Type
Nonfiction

Genres

Subjects

Children and ViolenceUnited StatesChildrenCrimes AgainstViolent CrimesPsychological AspectsChildren of MinoritiesPsychologyInner CitiesCrimeMinoritiesPoverty

Places

United States