Out of Control
Erich Goode
Out of Control
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
Assessing the General Theory of Crime
by Erich Goode
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 clang of a jail cell door echoes through the cold, empty hall. What makes someone decide to break the rules and get into trouble? Dive into stories that explore why people lose control and what it really means to make choices that shape their lives.
Quick Assessment
Out of Control explores the self-control theory of crime through various perspectives, offering both supporting and critical viewpoints. Suitable for middle-grade readers, it encourages critical thinking about social behavior and crime. The book is a supplemental resource that thoughtfully addresses complex social issues in an age-appropriate manner.
Why we rated Out of Control 11MS
Out of Control is written at a Level 6 reading level across 288 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Out of Control works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Out of Control as 11MS ("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, 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 mild intensity score.
Thematically, Out of Control weaves together social justice and coming of age.
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 social justice, coming of age.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11MS — 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
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781589972094
- Pages
- 288
- Publisher
- Stanford University Press
- Published
- December 2003
- Type
- Fiction