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Is Deaf

Anna Levene

Cover of Is Deaf

Is Deaf

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Anna Levene

Reading Level 4-5 9MS Ages 9-12 Balanced Read

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

Health & Daily Living - Physical ImpairmentsFriendshipSocial Issues

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 — Social
Emotional
Light
Physical
Light
Social
Moderate
Thematic
Light

Light conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.

Data confidence: standard

Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?

Reading Insights

Hook Factor

1/10

A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.

Discussion Potential

1/10

A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

Vocabulary Level
4
Emotional Weight
4
Theme Richness
3
World Scope
1
Data Confidence
7

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Details

ISBN
9780613893848
Publisher
Turtleback
Published
October 2003
Type
Fiction

Subjects

Health & Daily LivingPhysical ImpairmentsHealthSocial IssuesFriendshipSocial SituationsPersonal Health