In the name of the child
Robert D. Cooter
In the name of the child
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
health and welfare, 1880-1940
by Robert D. Cooter
The text is written at a 6th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.
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About This Book
The sharp scent of antiseptic fills the air as nurses bustle through the crowded hospital halls. Children’s whispers and the soft rustle of bandages tell stories of hope and healing amid a time of great change. Behind every caring hand lies a hidden history of how the world has fought to protect childhood itself.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade historical fiction delves into the evolving perspectives on child health and welfare around the time of the First World War. It offers insight into how medical and social reforms were influenced by political and cultural forces, making it a thoughtful read for ages 9-12 interested in history and social studies. Parents should note the book touches on historical instances of child abuse and welfare, providing context without graphic detail.
Why we rated In the name of the child 11LE
In the name of the child is written at a Level 6 reading level across 292 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, In the name of the child works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate In the name of the child as 11LE ("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.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Emotional: Fear & Anxiety.
Thematically, In the name of the child explores children's health and hygiene history, child welfare history, historical, and social justice — 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 children's health and hygiene history, child welfare history, historical.
- ✓ Curious kids who prefer real-world topics over made-up stories.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11LE — Light — EmotionalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Content Flags
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
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0415057434
- Pages
- 292
- Publisher
- Routledge
- Published
- 1992
- Type
- Nonfiction