Sexual Abuse
Roger J. R. Levesque
Sexual Abuse
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
A Human Rights Perspective
by Roger J. R. Levesque
The text is written at a 7th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is intense and may include graphic or distressing scenes.
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About This Book
Some stories reveal hard truths that many want to ignore. This one shines a light on how children everywhere face dangers hidden in plain sight, and why protecting them matters more than ever. Understanding these risks is the first step toward making the world safer for every kid.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This fiction book addresses the difficult topic of child sexual abuse, emphasizing its impact across different societies and the importance of human rights in protecting children. Suitable for mature middle-grade readers (ages 9-12), it sensitively explores themes of abuse, family relationships, and mental health, offering a foundation for discussion and awareness. Parents should be aware of its serious content and be prepared to support children through these complex issues.
Why we rated Sexual Abuse 12IE
Sexual Abuse is written at a Level 7 reading level across 378 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 8.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Sexual Abuse works for readers up to grade 9.0.
We rate Sexual Abuse as 12IE ("Intense — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Intense" range — intense conflict including peril, frightening scenes, or emotionally heavy themes. The strongest signals come from emotional weight — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Emotional: Mental Health, Emotional: Fear & Anxiety, Emotional: Loss & Grief, Social: Abuse.
Thematically, Sexual Abuse explores family, mental health, and social justice — 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 family, mental health, social justice.
Maybe not for
- ! Sensitive readers who get overwhelmed by intense conflict or scary scenes.
- ! Children younger than 9-12 — the content intensity is above what most younger kids can process comfortably.
- ! Children currently coping with grief — the themes may hit close to home.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
12IE — Intense — EmotionalHeavy themes explored in depth. War, death, abuse addressed directly.
Content Flags
Was our "Intense" 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
- 9780884165880
- Pages
- 378
- Publisher
- Indiana University Press
- Published
- April 1989
- Type
- Fiction