Taking sides.
MaryAnn Byrnes
Taking sides.
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
Clashing views on controversial issues in special education
by MaryAnn Byrnes
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 mild with minimal sensitive material.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
Here's a secret: what if the way schools help kids with special needs isn't as simple as it seems? Some believe inclusion is the best path, while others think different approaches work better—but that's only the beginning.
Themes
Quick Assessment
Taking Sides uses paired pro and con articles to explore key debates in special education, touching on topics like ADHD, inclusion, and learning disabilities. Suitable for ages 9-12, this nonfiction book encourages critical thinking about education challenges faced by children with disabilities. It offers balanced perspectives, making it a useful resource for understanding inclusive education issues.
Why we rated Taking sides. 12MS
Taking sides. is written at a Level 7 reading level across 392 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 8.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Taking sides. works for readers up to grade 9.0.
We rate Taking sides. as 12MS ("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, thematic difficulty — 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, Taking sides. explores disability representation, education, social justice, and family — 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 disability representation, education, social justice.
- ✓ Curious kids who prefer real-world topics over made-up stories.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers whose emotional readiness lags behind their decoding skills — this book's intensity outruns its reading level, a classic "gifted kid" mismatch.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
12MS — 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
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Taking sides
Robert Louis DelCampo
Taking sides
Robert Louis DelCampo
Taking sides.
Robert Louis DelCampo, Diana S. DelCampo
Taking sides.
Robert Louis DelCampo, Diana S. DelCampo
Taking Sides
Diana S DelCampo
Taking Sides
Diana S DelCampo
Teaching students with severe disabilities in inclusive settings
MaryAnn Demchak
Teaching students with severe disabilities in inclusive settings
MaryAnn Demchak
Including Students with Special Needs
Marilyn Friend
Including Students with Special Needs
Marilyn Friend
Taking sides.
Richard C. Monk
Taking sides.
Richard C. Monk
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0072480564
- Pages
- 392
- Publisher
- Taking Sides: Special Educatio
- Published
- 2002
- Type
- Nonfiction