Taking sides.
Richard C. Monk
Taking sides.
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
Clashing Views on Controversial Issues in Crime and Criminology
by Richard C. Monk
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.
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About This Book
What happens when two sides can't agree on what's right and wrong about crime? Imagine diving into a world where every choice sparks a big debate on justice, fairness, and change. Whose side will you take when the answers aren't so clear?
Themes
Quick Assessment
Taking Sides presents balanced perspectives on nineteen challenging topics related to crime and the criminal justice system in the United States. Aimed at readers ages 9-12, it encourages critical thinking about race, gender, prison programs, and policy issues. The book is suitable for middle-grade readers interested in social studies and current affairs, with no graphic content.
Why we rated Taking sides. 12MS
Taking sides. is written at a Level 7 reading level across 386 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 — 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 crime, criminal justice, policy debate, race and gender, and critical thinking — 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 crime, criminal justice, policy debate.
- ✓ 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
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780072371512
- Pages
- 386
- Publisher
- McGraw-Hill/Dushkin
- Published
- 2001
- Type
- Nonfiction