Violence and disability
Don Wells, Richard Lucardie, Sheila Mansell, Dick Sobsey
Violence and disability
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
An Annotated Bibliography
by Don Wells, Richard Lucardie, Sheila Mansell, Dick Sobsey
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 intense and may include graphic or distressing scenes.
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About This Book
A shout echoes down the hallway as someone rushes to help. Hidden dangers lurk where you least expect them, and not everyone is safe. What happens when trust is broken?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fiction addresses the serious issue of abuse against children with disabilities, highlighting the increased risks they face in society. It aims to raise awareness and promote understanding of these challenges, providing a thoughtful resource for children aged 9-12. Parents should note the mature themes of violence and abuse handled sensitively but directly.
Why we rated Violence and disability 11IP
Violence and disability is written at a Level 6 reading level across 258 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Violence and disability works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Violence and disability as 11IP ("Intense — Physical") because the content sits in the "Intense" range — intense conflict including peril, frightening scenes, or emotionally heavy themes. The strongest signals come from physical peril — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Emotional: Abuse, Physical/Safety: Physical Danger.
Thematically, Violence and disability explores disability representation, social justice, family, and emotional: fear & anxiety — 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 disability representation, social justice, family.
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
11IP — Intense — PhysicalHeavy 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
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781557661722
- Pages
- 258
- Publisher
- Brookes Publishing Company
- Published
- 1995
- Type
- Fiction