All the books I review will be rated in two different areas: Content/Maturity and Reading Level. The age ratings are approximate. They are based on what I would feel comfortable recommending to the children I work with. However, every child is an individual and you know better than I what the children in your lives can handle.
Content/Maturity: I think all media should attempt to display the world in all it's complexity. This means I'll review books that have characters of different races, ethnicity, religions, abilities, sexualities, and gender expressions. I'll also review books that tell a variety of stories that address issues that some children face in their real lives. I think it's possible to have books that address these things and remain child appropriate, but I know not everyone agrees. Every review will have a break down of the themes and an age rating based on content. This rating is subjective and based on the general maturity level of an age group. For some children that age the content will be too mature or complex. Also some younger children might be able to handle the subject matter and enjoy the story.
Reading Level: This rating will be a mixture of what the publisher/author/bookseller recommends and my own thoughts upon reading. Generally, it will be by grade level with the understanding that it might be too easy or hard for some children who are reading at that grade level. Please be aware that many children do not read at the level of the grade they are actually in. Teachers/schools assess children and place them on a reading level. If you're uncertain of you're child's reading level ask their teacher. Schools also use several other rating scales to assess reading, if I know the scale and the placement of the book I'm reviewing I will list that level in the same area I state the grade reading level.
