Identity Politics
Elizabeth Schmermund
Identity Politics
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Elizabeth Schmermund
The text is written at a 6th 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 the way people see each other changed the whole country? Imagine a place where everyone feels the need to be heard, but some voices get louder than others. How do we find unity when identity politics pulls us apart?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fiction book explores the complex and timely topic of identity politics in the United States through multiple perspectives. Suitable for ages 9-12, it encourages critical thinking about discrimination, political correctness, and social division without graphic content. Parents should be aware that it introduces nuanced political and social themes that may prompt thoughtful discussions.
Why we rated Identity Politics 11ME
Identity Politics is written at a Level 6 reading level across 216 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Identity Politics works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Identity Politics as 11ME ("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, 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, Identity Politics explores politics and government, social justice, multicultural, and coming of age — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers. Each of these themes is concrete enough to seed a real conversation, not just a moral lesson.
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 politics and government, social justice, multicultural.
- ✓ 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
11ME — 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
5/10Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Citizenship
Judith N. Shklar
Citizenship
Judith N. Shklar
Women in politics
Karen Zeinert
Women in politics
Karen Zeinert
Identity and Gender
Charlie Ogden
Identity and Gender
Charlie Ogden
Social Justice
Carol Wekesser
Social Justice
Carol Wekesser
Gender Identities
Tricia Clasen
Gender Identities
Tricia Clasen
Kids Book about Identity
Taboo
Kids Book about Identity
Taboo
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781534501744
- Pages
- 216
- Publisher
- Greenhaven Publishing LLC
- Published
- 2017
- Type
- Nonfiction