Taking sides
Robert Louis DelCampo
Taking sides
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
Clashing views in childhood and society
by Robert Louis 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
Have you ever wondered what it means to truly take sides in a tough situation? Imagine diving into stories where children face real challenges about family and fairness, and every choice sparks a big debate. What would you do when the right answer isn't so clear?
Themes
Quick Assessment
Taking Sides presents middle-grade readers with engaging debates on important social issues related to children, family dynamics, and welfare. Through balanced arguments and thought-provoking questions, this book encourages critical thinking and empathy. Suitable for ages 9-12, it offers educational value without graphic content or distressing themes.
Why we rated Taking sides 12MS
Taking sides is written at a Level 7 reading level across 385 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 social justice, family, child welfare, 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 social justice, family, child welfare.
- ✓ 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
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780078050213
- Pages
- 385
- Publisher
- McGraw-Hill/Dushkin
- Published
- 2012
- Type
- Nonfiction