definitions
My goal is to ensure readers know exactly what they are getting themselves into when it comes to reading material for themselves and their children. Below is a list of definitions I created to guide my level distinctions along with some rationale for my choices. I always recommend parents pre-read any content intended for their children to ensure that it aligns with your worldview no matter the rating.
LEVEL 1
MIDDLE GRADE
Generally accepted for ages 8-12 (also known as middle grade) these books are low violence, have strong parental influence, zero nudity or cussing, and have positive Christian messaging.
level 2
YOUNG ADULT
Generally accepted for ages 12 and up (also known as young adult) these books have mild to moderate violence against humans/animals/creatures, some mild consensual kissing scenes, dating relationships between teens, and may have difficult family dynamics, some magical elements in fantasy, and non-descriptive nudity (animal shifters), and positive Christian messaging. It does not have traditional cussing (may have some in-world words).
level 3
UPPER YOUNG ADULT
Generally accepted for ages 16 and up (also known as upper young adult) these books have moderate violence against humans/animals/creatures and may be more descriptive than Level 2. It may include mild consensual kissing, dating relationships between teens/new adult/adults, may have difficult family dynamics, potential bullying, friend or familial death, some magical elements in fantasy, and non-descriptive nudity (animal shifters). It has positive Christian messaging. It does not have traditional cussing (may have some in-world words.) While very similar to Level 2, Level 3 leans toward more intense scenes with higher stakes and complicated dynamics.
level 4
ADULT
Generally accepted for ages 18 and up (also known as adult) these books have moderate violence against humans/animals/creatures and may be more descriptive than Level 3. It may include mild to moderate consensual kissing, non-consensual kisses, dating relationships between new adult/adults, may have difficult family dynamics, potential bullying or fighting, overt magical elements in fantasy, and non-descriptive nudity (animal shifters). It has positive Christian messaging. It does not have traditional cussing (may have some in-world words.) Level 4 is intended for an adult audience due to complicated dynamics and more intense messaging that may not be well conveyed to younger minds.
level 5
ADULT +
Generally accepted for ages 18 and up with caution, these books have moderate to severe violence against humans/animals/creatures that is often descriptive. It may include mild to moderate consensual kissing, non-consensual kisses, dating relationships between new adult/adults, may have difficult family dynamics including friend or familial death or sickness, potential bullying or fighting, battles and war, overt magical elements in fantasy, and non-descriptive nudity (animal shifters). It has positive Christian messaging. It does not have traditional cussing (may have some in-world words.) Level 5 is intended for an adult audience that is not bothered by descriptive scenes of violence, death, and war. Due to complicated dynamics and more intense messaging, these books may not be well conveyed to younger minds.