Failed states
Noam Chomsky
Failed states
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
The Abuse of Power and the Assault on Democracy
by Noam Chomsky
The text is written at a 7th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content has moderate intensity with some emotionally heavy themes.
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About This Book
The sharp crack of decisions made in distant rooms echoes across the world like thunder rolling over the hills. Imagine being in the middle of a storm where powerful countries try to change the lives of others, but their own foundations are shaking. What happens when the leaders who promise safety and fairness start to struggle with their own troubles?
Themes
Quick Assessment
Failed States presents an analysis of the United States' foreign and domestic policies, focusing on its role as a global superpower amid internal democratic challenges. Suitable for middle-grade readers interested in politics and current events, this fictional work introduces complex themes like international relations and political science in an accessible way. Parents should note that the book addresses serious political topics but does so in a manner appropriate for ages 9-12.
Why we rated Failed states 12MS
Failed states is written at a Level 7 reading level across 311 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 8.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Failed states works for readers up to grade 9.0.
We rate Failed states as 12MS ("Moderate — Social") because the content sits in the "Moderate" range — moderate conflict that may involve loss, scary scenes, or interpersonal stakes. The strongest signals come from social complexity, thematic difficulty — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the moderate intensity score.
Thematically, Failed states explores politics / current events, international relations, and political science — 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 politics / current events, international relations, political science.
- ✓ Curious kids who prefer real-world topics over made-up stories.
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
12MS — Moderate — SocialReal stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.
Was our "Moderate" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780805079128
- Pages
- 311
- Publisher
- Macmillan
- Published
- 2006
- Type
- Nonfiction