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Stained glass

Michael Bedard

Cover of Stained glass

Stained glass

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Michael Bedard

Reading Level 6 11ME Ages 9-12 Balanced Read

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

Charles ducks behind a crumbling pew as shards of stained glass rain down around him. Suddenly, a mysterious girl appears, her eyes wide with fear and secrets. What will happen when their worlds collide in this forgotten church?

Themes

HomelessnessSelf-DiscoveryFriendshipCanada

Quick Assessment

This middle-grade novel follows Charles Endicott, who encounters a homeless girl in an abandoned church just as a stained glass window shatters. The story explores themes of homelessness, self-perception, and interpersonal relationships within a Canadian setting. Suitable for ages 9-12, it offers a thoughtful look at social issues without graphic content.

Why we rated Stained glass 11ME

Stained glass is written at a Level 6 reading level across 297 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Stained glass works for readers up to grade 8.0.

We rate Stained glass as 11ME ("Moderate — Emotional") 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 emotional weight, 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, Stained glass explores homelessness, self-discovery, friendship, and canada — 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 homelessness, self-discovery, friendship.

Maybe not for

  • ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.

For Parents

Content Intensity

11ME — Moderate — Emotional
Emotional
Moderate
Physical
Light
Social
Moderate
Thematic
Light

Light conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.

Data confidence: standard

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

Reading Insights

Hook Factor

1/10

A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.

Discussion Potential

1/10

A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

Vocabulary Level
5
Emotional Weight
4
Theme Richness
4
World Scope
3
Data Confidence
7

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Details

Book Length

297 pages
ISBN
0887765521
Pages
297
Publisher
Tundra Books (NY)
Published
2001
Type
Fiction

Genres

Subjects

Homeless PersonsSelf-perceptionInterpersonal RelationsSpace and TimeCanadaHomeless ChildrenHelping BehaviorYoung Adult Fiction

Places

Canada