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Cutting And Self-Harm (Psychological Disorders)

Heather Barnett Veague

Cover of Cutting And Self-Harm (Psychological Disorders)

Cutting And Self-Harm (Psychological Disorders)

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Heather Barnett Veague

Reading Level 4-5 9ME Ages 13+ Matched

The text is written at a 4th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for teens (ages 13+), and the content has moderate intensity with some emotionally heavy themes.

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About This Book

Have you ever wondered why some kids hurt themselves on purpose? Imagine facing feelings so strong and confusing that cutting seems like the only way to cope. But could understanding these feelings lead to healing instead?

Themes

Health & Daily LivingMental HealthComing of Age

Quick Assessment

This book provides a sensitive exploration of self-injury among adolescents, covering the causes, effects, and potential treatments. Aimed at teens aged 13-18, it offers clear, age-appropriate information to help young readers understand this complex issue. Parents should note that the book discusses self-harm in a straightforward manner but is designed to promote awareness and support.

Why we rated Cutting And Self-Harm (Psychological Disorders) 9ME

Cutting And Self-Harm (Psychological Disorders) is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 128 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Cutting And Self-Harm (Psychological Disorders) works for readers up to grade 6.5.

We rate Cutting And Self-Harm (Psychological Disorders) as 9ME ("Moderate — 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, physical peril — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.

Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Self-Harm.

Thematically, Cutting And Self-Harm (Psychological Disorders) explores health & daily living, mental health, and coming of age — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.

Good fit for

  • Children in the Ages 13+ range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
  • Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
  • Kids drawn to stories about health & daily living, mental health, coming of age.

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

9ME — Moderate — Emotional
Emotional
Moderate
Physical
Moderate
Social
Light
Thematic
Light

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

Content Flags

Self-Harm
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

3/10

A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

Vocabulary Level
4
Emotional Weight
6
Theme Richness
4
World Scope
1
Data Confidence
7

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Details

Book Length

128 pages
ISBN
9780791090039
Pages
128
Publisher
Chelsea House Publications
Published
June 2008
Type
Fiction

Genres

Cutting (Self-mutilation)

Subjects

Health & Daily LivingCoupures CutaneesAutomutilationSelf-mutilationCuttingSelf-injurious BehaviorComportement AutodestructeurMental Illness