Raw Courage
Dave Sargent
Raw Courage
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Dave Sargent
The text is written at a 6th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for teens (ages 13+), and the content has moderate intensity with some emotionally heavy themes.
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About This Book
The sharp bite of winter air mixes with the metallic scent of fear as Dave Stone sneaks through shadowed streets. His sister’s sudden, wild change isn’t just scary—it’s a sign of danger lurking close. Every step pulls him deeper into a maze of secrets and courage, where the truth could cost everything.
Themes
Quick Assessment
Raw Courage follows Dave Stone, a young veteran returning from the Persian Gulf War, as he confronts a dangerous situation involving his sister and drug abuse. This young adult novel explores themes of substance abuse and bravery, suitable for readers aged 13 and up. Parents should note the presence of drug-related content and some tense situations.
Why we rated Raw Courage 11ME
Raw Courage is written at a Level 6 reading level across 204 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Raw Courage works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Raw Courage as 11ME ("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: Drug and Alcohol Use.
Thematically, Raw Courage explores courage, drug abuse, social issues, and juvenile fiction — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 13+ range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about courage, drug abuse, social issues.
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
11ME — Moderate — EmotionalReal stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.
Content Flags
Was our "Moderate" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781567630152
- Pages
- 204
- Publisher
- Ozark Publications
- Published
- July 1996
- Type
- Fiction