The juror
George Dawes Green
The juror
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by George Dawes Green
The text is written at a 7th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content has moderate intensity with some emotionally heavy themes.
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About This Book
She’s not just any juror—she’s a single mom caught in a deadly game with the Mafia’s darkest villain, known only as the Teacher. Every choice she makes could save her son or put them both in grave danger. What would you do when the people meant to protect justice become your biggest threat?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This thriller follows a single mother serving as a juror who becomes entangled in a dangerous conflict with a Mafia figure threatening her and her son. Suitable for middle-grade readers, it contains suspenseful and intense moments that explore themes of courage and resilience. Parents should note the presence of stalking, intimidation, and criminal elements within the story.
Why we rated The juror 12ME
The juror is written at a Level 7 reading level across 340 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 8.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The juror works for readers up to grade 9.0.
We rate The juror as 12ME ("Moderate — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Moderate" range — moderate conflict that may involve loss, scary scenes, or interpersonal stakes. The strongest signals come from emotional weight, physical peril — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Stalking, Threats, Mafia Violence.
Thematically, The juror explores thriller, family, courage, and crime — 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 thriller, family, courage.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers who get easily upset by emotional or moderately dark scenes — the conflict here is real, not just background flavor.
- ! Children who are sensitive to violence, even when handled at age-appropriate levels.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
12ME — Moderate — EmotionalReal stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.
Content Flags
Was our "Moderate" 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
- 0593038185
- Pages
- 340
- Publisher
- Bantam Press
- Published
- 1995
- Type
- Fiction