Minimum ages in Sparx Reader

We understand that it is important to control which texts are accessible to younger students so a number of our books have a minimum age attached to them. This means any students below this age will not be offered the book. 

We have set the following age limits on certain texts, where appropriate: 11+, 13+ and 15+. We know that it can be difficult for teachers and librarians to know exactly what a student might encounter in a book, so we’ve developed a system that mimics the way films and television programmes are rated, applying ‘mild’, ‘moderate’ and ‘strong/frequent’ descriptors to a range of specific themes so that you have full visibility of any mature content within each title. For example, a 12-rated film may include strong language depending on the frequency and context. 

The specific themes are listed here:  

• Bereavement or loss 
• Discrimination 
• Substance abuse 
• Strong language 
• Sex
• Sexual violence and sexual threat 
• Violence and threat 
• Historic perspective 
• Mental health 
• Serious illness 

The minimum age that we apply relates to the descriptor and works in the following way: 

1. Mild = minimum age of 11+ 
2. Moderate = minimum age of 13+ 
3. Strong/ frequent = minimum age of 15+ 

You can find further explanations and examples of books for each of the minimum ages below: 

Minimum Age 11 

The most common mature themes which appear in 11+ books are ‘Bereavement & Loss’ and ‘Violence and Threat’. In some cases, there are fleeting passages of text which cover these, and in other cases, they may be the key premise of the story but are not portrayed in a detailed or graphic way.

Anna, Laura Guthrie

This modern-day retelling of the classic novel Pollyanna (Elanor H. Porter) introduces readers to Anna, a teenager who loses her father and is forced to move to Scotland to live with her estranged mother. The novel sensitively delves into the experiences and thoughts of a neurodiverse teenage girl facing bereavement as she moves home, joins a new school, makes friends and learns more about her new family. Anna's positive outlook is challenged numerous times through the book, and her unique perspective and inner strength may inspire and strike a chord with many young readers.

Nightmare Man, Tim Collins

Specifically written with reluctant readers in mind, this four-hundred-word short story is targeted at secondary school students with a low reading age. Badger Learning books such as Nightmare Man include elements of action, adventure and horror to ensure exciting plots to engage readers. 

Minimum age 13

In 13+ books, the themes found in 11+ books are often present, but may be covered in more detail. Additional most common themes that appear in a moderate way in 13+ books are ‘Historical Perspective’ and ‘Discrimination’. These texts may contain views which are outdated or highlight ongoing areas of discrimination, allowing students to build empathy and gain an increased understanding of the world around them. 

Cane Warriors, Alex Wheatle

This brilliant piece of historical fiction highlights the struggles of slaves in the Caribbean and America during the slave trade, a period which students may cover as part of the History curriculum. There are moderate levels of violence and a continuous theme of discrimination throughout the book, but it is written in such a way that allows students to build empathy with the main characters and reflect on outdated views of race. This book is written by Alex Wheatle, who has been awarded an MBE for services to literature and has Jamaican ancestry. 

Things a Bright Girl Can Do, Sally Nicholls

Shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal 2019, National Book Award, Books Are My Bag Readers' Awards and the YA Book Prize, Things a Bright Girl Can Do offers a historical snapshot of a society in turmoil. This coming of age book approaches themes of feminism, equality, sexuality, social class and divisions, and the huge impacts of the First World War. This book aims to give students a greater understanding of British history, whilst also touching upon some societal and personal issues they themselves may face today. 

Minimum age 15 

A minimum age of 15 is used where books have strong references to any of the mature themes. The most common themes found in 15+ books which are not found in 13+ or 11+ books are strong language and sexual references. Strong language is often used to give an authentic voice to characters in books, and sexual references allow young adults to explore some of the realities of this period of enormous change for them.

We have also applied this age rating for some classic texts that - at the time of publishing - would have been aimed at readers younger than 15. However, some of the attitudes expressed and language used in these novels are now considered unacceptable and offensive. For this reason, we do not recommend that younger readers are necessarily exposed to these texts. 

The Hate U Give, Angie Thomas

This award-winning book navigates the continued racism faced by many black communities through the voice of teenager Starr, who is fighting for justice. Some students may relate to many of the themes in this book, allowing their own feelings to be validated, whilst others can build empathy and understanding towards their peers. Strong language and racial words are frequent, contributing towards the powerful voice that makes this book such a thought provoking and impactful read. Angie Thomas wrote this Young Adult fiction after being inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement. 

Tremendous Things, Susin Nielsen 

From an award-winning Young Adult author, Tremendous Things is a coming of age story that approaches teen romance, diversity and sexuality in an honest and humorous way. The comedic elements engage students in the story, and the careful writing allows students to relate to the self confidence, relationship and bullying issues that main character Wilbur faces during his school and home life. This book which was written to help young males find the confidence to be their true self has won multiple Young Readers’ Choice Awards.