​Graphic, sexually explicit, and obscene content has increasingly appeared on public school library shelves, including in elementary schools. With parents often absent during their children’s book selection process, our team, alongside others nationwide, has been diligently reading, reviewing, and rating books to empower parents with informed choices. Our goal is to safeguard vulnerable youth from addictive pornography and other harmful ideas or materials.

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The Comprehensive Content Rating Scale

The updated Comprehensive Content Rating Scale offers clear guidance on age-appropriate content and themes found in books. Each book report includes:

• Relevant text excerpts

• Page numbers (which may vary slightly depending on whether the book is digital or print, the publisher, or the publication date)

• Images, where applicable

Our reports often incorporate ratings and reviews from state agencies across the country. You can explore the evidence on our partner site, RatedBooks.org/pep, or through book location pages linked to your school district on our website.

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Understanding Book Ratings

Not all reviewed books are objectionable. Some, like To Kill a Mockingbird and Turning 15 on the Road to Freedom, receive a 0/5 rating for harmful content and masterfully address important but challenging topics. Parents may still wish to consider the appropriate age for their child’s exposure to these themes. Books are included in our reports simply because they have been reviewed, and we aim to provide transparent information to assist parents.

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Our Commitment

We believe most parents, grandparents, and community members agree on the need to protect children from harmful materials. By providing detailed, evidence-based book reviews, we strive to support families in making thoughtful decisions about their children’s reading materials.

For more information, visit our website or explore the resources at RatedBooks.org/pep.