Is Deaf
Anna Levene
Is Deaf
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Anna Levene
The text is written at a 4th 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 quiet hum of sign language fills the room, a language without sound but full of feeling. Imagine discovering new ways to connect with your friends, even when words don’t come out the usual way. Understanding and friendship bloom in places you might not expect.
Themes
Quick Assessment
My Friends: Is Deaf gently introduces children ages 9-12 to the experiences of living with hearing impairment, focusing on friendship and social inclusion. The book demystifies physical impairments with approachable language and realistic scenarios, making it a valuable resource for special needs education. Its content is suitable for middle-grade readers and emphasizes empathy without overwhelming detail.
Why we rated Is Deaf 9MS
Is Deaf is written at a Level 4-5 reading level. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Is Deaf works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Is Deaf as 9MS ("Moderate — Social") because the content sits in the "Mild" range — mild conflict — the kind a child encounters in normal play and sibling life. The strongest signals come from 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 mild intensity score.
Thematically, Is Deaf explores health & daily living - physical impairments, friendship, and social issues — 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 health & daily living - physical impairments, friendship, social issues.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9MS — Moderate — SocialLight 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
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Details
- ISBN
- 9780613893848
- Publisher
- Turtleback
- Published
- October 2003
- Type
- Fiction