HootRated mascot HootRated

Cognition and Computers

Robert W. Lawler, J.B.H. du Boulay, M. Hughes

Cover of Cognition and Computers

Cognition and Computers

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

Studies in Learning

by Robert W. Lawler, J.B.H. du Boulay, M. Hughes

Reading Level 6 11C Ages 9-12 Balanced Read

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.

We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.

About This Book

Did you know that computers can actually help your brain grow smarter? Some kids discovered surprising ways to learn and think better using a special computer language called LOGO. But that's only the beginning of what computers can teach us!

Themes

Cognition & cognitive psychologyHuman-computer interactionMathematics (General)Cognition In ChildrenComputer-assisted instruction

Quick Assessment

This book presents four case studies exploring how computer education, particularly using the LOGO programming language, can support cognitive development in children. Based on Seymour Papert's theories, it offers insights into how interactive computer use may enhance learning and thinking skills. Appropriate for middle-grade readers, the book introduces educational concepts in a fictional but informative format.

Why we rated Cognition and Computers 11C

Cognition and Computers is written at a Level 6 reading level across 220 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Cognition and Computers works for readers up to grade 8.0.

We rate Cognition and Computers as 11C ("Clear") because the content sits in the "Gentle" range — no conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Across our four dimensions (emotional, physical, social, thematic) the book reads as evenly gentle; no single dimension stands out as a concern.

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

Thematically, Cognition and Computers explores cognition & cognitive psychology, human-computer interaction, mathematics (general), cognition in children, and computer-assisted instruction — 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 cognition & cognitive psychology, human-computer interaction, mathematics (general).
  • Curious kids who prefer real-world topics over made-up stories.

Maybe not for

  • ! Readers whose emotional readiness lags behind their decoding skills — this book's intensity outruns its reading level, a classic "gifted kid" mismatch.
  • ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.

For Parents

Content Intensity

11C — Clear
Emotional
Clear
Physical
Clear
Social
Clear
Thematic
Clear

No conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Safe for sensitive readers.

Data confidence: standard

Was our "Gentle" 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
Emotional Weight
2
Theme Richness
5
World Scope
1
Data Confidence
7

Similar Books

Based on content and theme analysis

See all books like this →

Details

Book Length

220 pages
ISBN
9780131400887
Pages
220
Publisher
Prentice Hall
Published
July 1986
Type
Nonfiction

Genres

Subjects

Cognition & Cognitive PsychologyHuman-computer InteractionMathematicsCognition In ChildrenComputer-assisted InstructionLogo