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Problems of Childhood and Adolescence (British Association of Social Workers (BASW) Practical Social Work)

Michael Kerfoot

Cover of Problems of Childhood and Adolescence (British Association of Social Workers (BASW) Practical Social Work)

Problems of Childhood and Adolescence (British Association of Social Workers (BASW) Practical Social Work)

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Michael Kerfoot

Reading Level 4-5 9ME Ages 9-12 Matched

The text is written at a 4th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content has moderate intensity with some emotionally heavy themes.

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About This Book

Some kids face problems that most people don’t even notice, but they can change everything about growing up. This story reveals the hidden challenges children and teens deal with every day, showing why understanding these struggles can make all the difference. Learning about these problems helps us see how kindness and support can change lives.

Themes

AdolescentsChild welfareSocial workFamilyIdentity & Self-Discovery

Quick Assessment

This book introduces middle-grade readers to the real-life challenges faced by children and adolescents, focusing on social work perspectives. It provides a straightforward explanation of common difficulties and offers frameworks for assessment and care, making it suitable for ages 9-12. Parents should know it addresses sensitive topics related to child welfare in an age-appropriate and educational way.

Why we rated Problems of Childhood and Adolescence (British Association of Social Workers (BASW) Practical Social Work) 9ME

Problems of Childhood and Adolescence (British Association of Social Workers (BASW) Practical Social Work) is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 168 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Problems of Childhood and Adolescence (British Association of Social Workers (BASW) Practical Social Work) works for readers up to grade 6.5.

We rate Problems of Childhood and Adolescence (British Association of Social Workers (BASW) Practical Social Work) as 9ME ("Moderate — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Moderate" range — moderate conflict that may involve loss, scary scenes, or interpersonal stakes. The strongest signals come from emotional weight, social complexity — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.

Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Emotional: Fear & Anxiety, Emotional: Identity & Self-Discovery, Social: Poverty & Hardship.

Thematically, Problems of Childhood and Adolescence (British Association of Social Workers (BASW) Practical Social Work) explores adolescents, child welfare, social work, family, and identity & self-discovery — 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 adolescents, child welfare, social work.

Maybe not for

  • ! Readers who get easily upset by emotional or moderately dark scenes — the conflict here is real, not just background flavor.
  • ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.

For Parents

Content Intensity

9ME — Moderate — Emotional
Emotional
Moderate
Physical
Clear
Social
Moderate
Thematic
Clear

Real stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.

Content Flags

Emotional: Fear & Anxiety Emotional: Identity & Self-Discovery Social: Poverty & Hardship
Data confidence: standard

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

Reading Insights

Hook Factor

1/10

A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.

Discussion Potential

3/10

A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

Vocabulary Level
4
Emotional Weight
6
Theme Richness
8
World Scope
1
Data Confidence
7

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Details

Book Length

168 pages
ISBN
9780333420706
Pages
168
Publisher
Palgrave Macmillan
Published
July 14, 1988
Type
Fiction

Genres

Social work with youth

Subjects

AdolescentsChild WelfareChildrenSocial Work