Taking sides.
Robert Louis DelCampo, Diana S. DelCampo
Taking sides.
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Robert Louis DelCampo, Diana S. DelCampo
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
Here's a secret: kids everywhere are caught in the middle of big arguments about how childhood should be—some say one thing, others say the opposite. Imagine hearing both sides and deciding what you really think. But that's only the beginning.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This book introduces middle-grade readers to current social controversies affecting children through a pro/con debate format. It presents diverse perspectives from experts in child behavior and social commentary, encouraging critical thinking. Appropriate for ages 9-12, it thoughtfully explores social conditions without intense conflict.
Why we rated Taking sides. 12LN
Taking sides. is written at a Level 7 reading level across 388 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 12LN ("Light — Neutral") because the content sits in the "Mild" range — mild conflict — the kind a child encounters in normal play and sibling life. Across our four dimensions (emotional, physical, social, thematic) the book reads as evenly mild; no single dimension stands out as a concern.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Social Debate.
Thematically, Taking sides. explores children, social conditions, critical thinking, and debate — 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 children, social conditions, critical thinking.
- ✓ 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
12LN — Light — NeutralLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Content Flags
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
- 9780072480528
- Pages
- 388
- Publisher
- Dushkin/McGraw-Hill
- Published
- 2002
- Type
- Nonfiction