High risk
Ken Magid
High risk
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
Children Without A Conscience
by Ken Magid
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.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
What if some kids around you seem like they don’t feel fear or care about others? Imagine growing up in a world where trust is the hardest thing to find. Who are these children, and what makes them so different?
Themes
Quick Assessment
High Risk explores the challenging topic of antisocial personality disorders in children, focusing on their origins, behaviors, and societal impact. Intended for middle-grade readers, it offers case studies and practical advice for parents, educators, and caregivers on recognizing and managing these behaviors, as well as protecting children from harmful environments. The book addresses sensitive issues like adoption trauma and social challenges with a thoughtful, educational approach.
Why we rated High risk 12ME
High risk is written at a Level 7 reading level across 361 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 8.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, High risk works for readers up to grade 9.0.
We rate High risk as 12ME ("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, social complexity — 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, High risk explores mental health, family, social justice, and adoption & foster care — 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 mental health, family, social justice.
- ✓ 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
12ME — Moderate — EmotionalReal 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
4/10Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Children at Risk
Janice Crouse
Children at Risk
Janice Crouse
Children at risk
Agatha H. Bowley
Children at risk
Agatha H. Bowley
Children at risk in America
Roberta Wollons
Children at risk in America
Roberta Wollons
Evaluation for risk of violence in juveniles
Robert D. Hoge
Evaluation for risk of violence in juveniles
Robert D. Hoge
Deviant Children Grown Up
Lee N. Robins
Deviant Children Grown Up
Lee N. Robins
Antisocial behavior by young people
Michael Rutter
Antisocial behavior by young people
Michael Rutter
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780553346671
- Pages
- 361
- Publisher
- Bantam
- Published
- 1989-03-01
- Type
- Nonfiction