The police.
Gerald Leinwand
The police.
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
A Biography
by Gerald Leinwand
The text is written at a 6th 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
The sharp whistle of sirens slices through the quiet night, flashing blue and red lights painting the streets. Behind the badge, there are stories of courage, challenges, and the pursuit of justice. Feel the weight of responsibility and the hope that shines through every patrol.
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fiction explores the multifaceted world of police officers in the United States, offering essays and lectures that address their roles and challenges. Suitable for ages 9-12, it provides thoughtful insights without graphic content, making it an educational read for children interested in law enforcement and civic duty.
Why we rated The police. 11LP
The police. is written at a Level 6 reading level across 256 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The police. works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate The police. as 11LP ("Light — Physical") 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: Mild Peril.
Thematically, The police. explores adventure, social justice, and family — 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 adventure, social justice, family.
- ✓ Curious kids who prefer real-world topics over made-up stories.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11LP — Light — PhysicalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Content Flags
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
2/10A 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
- 0671775553
- Pages
- 256
- Publisher
- Simon Pulse
- Published
- 1972
- Type
- Nonfiction