The many faces of depression in children and adolesents
David Shaffer, Bruce D. Waslick
The many faces of depression in children and adolesents
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by David Shaffer, Bruce D. Waslick
The text is written at a 4th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is intense and may include graphic or distressing scenes.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
The quiet hum of a classroom fades as a heavy feeling settles deep inside. Sometimes, the sadness isn't just a passing cloud—it can wear many faces, making it hard to understand or explain. How do kids and teens find their way back to the light when shadows feel so close?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This book offers an in-depth look at depression in children and adolescents, presenting current research on diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. It covers therapeutic approaches, medication, and the complexities of identifying mood disorders, including bipolar disorder and suicide risks. Intended for clinicians, parents should note that the content is detailed and clinical, suitable for understanding mental health challenges in youth aged 9 to 12 and older.
Why we rated The many faces of depression in children and adolesents 9IE
The many faces of depression in children and adolesents is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 192 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The many faces of depression in children and adolesents works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate The many faces of depression in children and adolesents as 9IE ("Intense — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Intense" range — intense conflict including peril, frightening scenes, or emotionally heavy themes. The strongest signals come from emotional weight — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Mental Health, Suicidal Ideation, Depression, Suicide Risk.
Thematically, The many faces of depression in children and adolesents explores child mental health, depression in children, teenagers - mental health, suicide prevention, and psychotherapy — 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 child mental health, depression in children, teenagers - mental health.
Maybe not for
- ! Sensitive readers who get overwhelmed by intense conflict or scary scenes.
- ! Children younger than 9-12 — the content intensity is above what most younger kids can process comfortably.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9IE — Intense — EmotionalHeavy themes explored in depth. War, death, abuse addressed directly.
Content Flags
Was our "Intense" 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
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Assessment and treatment of depression in children and adolescents
Clarizio, Harvey F
Assessment and treatment of depression in children and adolescents
Clarizio, Harvey F
Depression in Children and Adolescents
Harold S. Koplewicz
Depression in Children and Adolescents
Harold S. Koplewicz
Depression, An Issue of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Clinics (The Clinics: Internal Medicine)
Gil Zalsman
Depression, An Issue of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Clinics (The Clinics: Internal Medicine)
Gil Zalsman
The depressed child and adolescent
Ian M. Goodyer
The depressed child and adolescent
Ian M. Goodyer
Depression
Chrissie Verduyn
Depression
Chrissie Verduyn
Depressed Child
Douglas A. Riley
Depressed Child
Douglas A. Riley
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 1585620718
- Pages
- 192
- Publisher
- American Psychiatric Pub.
- Published
- 2002
- Type
- Fiction