Hitting and hurting
Frank J. MacHovec
Hitting and hurting
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
A Children's Guide to Prevent Physical Abuse
by Frank J. MacHovec
The text is written at a 2nd grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for younger children (ages 5–8), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
Why do some people hit others, and what can you do if it happens to you? Imagine a group of friendly bears who discover the reasons behind hitting and learn how to keep everyone safe and happy. But can they find the best way to stop the hurting before it starts?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This early reader story helps children understand why hitting happens and teaches them how to respond safely and kindly. It addresses themes of aggression and child abuse prevention in an age-appropriate way for readers aged 5-8. The book supports important conversations about emotions and personal boundaries without graphic content.
Why we rated Hitting and hurting 7LE
Hitting and hurting is written at a Level 2 reading level across 27 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 3.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Hitting and hurting works for readers up to grade 4.0.
We rate Hitting and hurting as 7LE ("Light — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Mild" range — mild conflict — the kind a child encounters in normal play and sibling life. Across our four dimensions (emotional, physical, social, thematic) the book reads as evenly mild; no single dimension stands out as a concern.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the mild intensity score.
Thematically, Hitting and hurting explores child abuse prevention, aggressiveness, conduct of life, and friendship — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 5-8 range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about child abuse prevention, aggressiveness, conduct of life.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
7LE — Light — EmotionalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Don't hit me!
Bernette G. Ford
Don't hit me!
Bernette G. Ford
Hands Are Not for Hitting
Martine Agassi Ph.D.
Hands Are Not for Hitting
Martine Agassi Ph.D.
Hurt
Janine Amos
Hurt
Janine Amos
The words hurt
Chris Loftis
The words hurt
Chris Loftis
Violent kids
Michael deCourcy Hinds
Violent kids
Michael deCourcy Hinds
Hands are not for hitting
Martine Agassi
Hands are not for hitting
Martine Agassi
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0899762328
- Pages
- 27
- Publisher
- Oceana Educ Communications
- Published
- 1990
- Type
- Fiction