Robert Cormier
Wendy Hart Beckman
Robert Cormier
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
Banned, Challenged, and Censored
by Wendy Hart Beckman
The text is written at a 4th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for teens (ages 13+), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.
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About This Book
Robert Cormier was no ordinary author—his books shook schools and sparked fierce debates about what should be read. His stories dared to tackle tough topics that many wanted to hide, but that’s exactly why they matter so much.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This biography explores the life and career of Robert Cormier, a young adult author known for his challenging and thought-provoking works. It highlights the controversies and censorship battles his books faced in schools and libraries, making it suitable for teens interested in literature and social issues. Parents should note the book discusses themes of censorship and literary criticism in a mature but accessible way.
Why we rated Robert Cormier 9MS
Robert Cormier is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 160 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Robert Cormier works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Robert Cormier 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, Robert Cormier explores biography & autobiography, literary criticism & collections, social justice, politics & government, and coming of age — 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 biography & autobiography, literary criticism & collections, social justice.
- ✓ Curious kids who prefer real-world topics over made-up stories.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9MS — 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
- 9780766026919
- Pages
- 160
- Publisher
- Enslow Publishing
- Published
- April 2008
- Type
- Nonfiction