What Are the Causes of Crime
Don Weatherburn
What Are the Causes of Crime
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Don Weatherburn
The text is written at a 2nd grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for teens (ages 13+), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
Did you know that crime isn't just about bad choices? There are hidden reasons behind why people break the rules, and uncovering them can change everything—but that's only the beginning.
Quick Assessment
This book explores the underlying causes of crime, aiming to provide young readers with a deeper understanding of social and psychological factors. Suitable for teens aged 13 to 18, it encourages critical thinking about real-world issues without graphic content. Parents should note it is a nonfiction educational resource rather than a story-based narrative.
Why we rated What Are the Causes of Crime 7LP
What Are the Causes of Crime is written at a Level 2 reading level across 11 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 3.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, What Are the Causes of Crime works for readers up to grade 4.0.
We rate What Are the Causes of Crime as 7LP ("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, What Are the Causes of Crime explores social justice, science & nature, and coming of age — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 13+ 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, science & nature, coming of age.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
7LP — 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
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
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Crime
Craig Donnellan
Crime
Craig Donnellan
Children and Crime
Holman
Children and Crime
Holman
Crime and Justice
Michael H. Tonry
Crime and Justice
Michael H. Tonry
Violent crime
Allison Lassieur
Violent crime
Allison Lassieur
Criminal Behavior
Elaine Cassel
Criminal Behavior
Elaine Cassel
Juvenile Delinquency
Robert Agnew
Juvenile Delinquency
Robert Agnew
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9789997886903
- Pages
- 11
- Publisher
- Greenhaven Pr
- Published
- June 1984
- Type
- Fiction