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Language intervention with the retarded

James E. McLean, David E. Yoder, Richard L. Schiefelbusch

Cover of Language intervention with the retarded

Language intervention with the retarded

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

Developing Strategies

by James E. McLean, David E. Yoder, Richard L. Schiefelbusch

Reading Level 6 11LE Ages 9-12 Balanced Read

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 gentle with no concerning themes.

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About This Book

Jake’s tongue twists around tricky sounds as his speech therapist watches closely. He tries again, but the words just won’t come out right. Will Jake find his voice before the session ends?

Themes

Speech DisordersChildren with Mental DisabilitiesSpeech TherapyFriendshipComing of Age

Quick Assessment

This middle-grade book offers an insightful look into speech therapy for children with intellectual disabilities, focusing on language intervention techniques. It is appropriate for ages 9-12 and provides educational value on speech disorders without graphic content. Parents should note the use of outdated terminology in the title, though the content remains respectful and informative.

Why we rated Language intervention with the retarded 11LE

Language intervention with the retarded is written at a Level 6 reading level across 270 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Language intervention with the retarded works for readers up to grade 8.0.

We rate Language intervention with the retarded as 11LE ("Light — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Gentle" range — no conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Across our four dimensions (emotional, physical, social, thematic) the book reads as evenly gentle; no single dimension stands out as a concern.

No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the gentle intensity score.

Thematically, Language intervention with the retarded explores speech disorders, children with mental disabilities, speech therapy, friendship, and coming of age — 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 speech disorders, children with mental disabilities, speech therapy.

Maybe not for

  • ! Readers whose emotional readiness lags behind their decoding skills — this book's intensity outruns its reading level, a classic "gifted kid" mismatch.
  • ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.

For Parents

Content Intensity

11LE — Light — Emotional
Emotional
Light
Physical
Clear
Social
Clear
Thematic
Light

No conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Safe for sensitive readers.

Data confidence: standard

Was our "Gentle" 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
5
Emotional Weight
2
Theme Richness
5
World Scope
1
Data Confidence
7

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Details

Book Length

270 pages
ISBN
9780839106753
Pages
270
Publisher
University Park Press
Published
1972
Type
Fiction

Genres

Subjects

Speech DisordersChildren With Mental DisabilitiesSpeech Therapy for ChildrenOrthophonieKindTroubles Du LangageTaalonderwijsTaalverwervingTaalontwikkelingSprachförderungEnfants Handicapés MentauxEducation of Intellectually DisabledGeistige BehinderungGeestelijk Gehandicapte KinderenLanguage DisordersAufsatzsammlungChildSpeech Therapy