Crimes against Children
Stephen Robertson
Crimes against Children
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
Sexual Violence and Legal Culture in New York City, 1880-1960
by Stephen Robertson
The text is written at a 7th 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
There are hidden stories about the dark secrets kids faced long ago in New York City. Some crimes were whispered about but never fully understood. But that's only the beginning.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This historical fiction explores the challenging and sensitive topic of child abuse and sexual violence in New York City from 1880 to 1960. Suitable for middle-grade readers, it offers a glimpse into the legal and social struggles surrounding these crimes during that era. Parents should be aware of the mature themes related to crime and abuse addressed thoughtfully within the book.
Why we rated Crimes against Children 12IE
Crimes against Children is written at a Level 7 reading level across 320 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 8.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Crimes against Children works for readers up to grade 9.0.
We rate Crimes against Children as 12IE ("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: Child Abuse, Sexual Violence.
Thematically, Crimes against Children explores crime & criminology, historical, legal culture, and child abuse — 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 crime & criminology, historical, legal culture.
- ✓ 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.
- ! Children who are sensitive to violence, even when handled at age-appropriate levels.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
12IE — 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
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780807855966
- Pages
- 320
- Publisher
- Univ of North Carolina Press
- Published
- March 16, 2005
- Type
- Nonfiction