Consequence
Eric Fair
Consequence
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
A Memoir
by Eric Fair
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 intense and may include graphic or distressing scenes.
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About This Book
Eric Fair did something most people could never imagine—he worked as an interrogator in a war zone, facing the toughest questions about right and wrong every day. His story shows how one person's courage to be honest can challenge even the darkest moments and remind us what really matters.
Themes
Quick Assessment
Consequence is a powerful memoir by Eric Fair, recounting his experiences as a military interrogator in Iraq and the moral struggles that followed. Suitable for mature middle-grade readers, it addresses themes of faith, morality, and the consequences of war, including depictions of harsh interrogation techniques. Parents should be aware of the book’s serious subject matter and its exploration of complex ethical issues.
Why we rated Consequence 11IE
Consequence is written at a Level 6 reading level across 240 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Consequence works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Consequence as 11IE ("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, physical peril, social complexity, thematic difficulty — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Military Interrogation, Enhanced Interrogation Techniques, Moral Complexity.
Thematically, Consequence explores coming of age, family, military, social justice, and morality — 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 coming of age, family, military.
- ✓ Curious kids who prefer real-world topics over made-up stories.
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
11IE — 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
4/10Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781627795135
- Pages
- 240
- Publisher
- Macmillan
- Published
- 2016
- Type
- Nonfiction