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Common Objections & Rebuttals
Q: Isn’t this program just another form of censorship?
A: No, ReadSafeRatings is entirely voluntary and author-led. Unlike censorship, which removes books from shelves, this program provides neutral, factual information that empowers readers and librarians to make informed decisions—while protecting authors’ creative voices.
Q: Do we really need ratings for books?
A: Many readers, especially parents and librarians, don’t have time to read every book in advance. Ratings provide quick guidance, helping them choose confidently—just like in movies and music.
Q: Won’t these ratings label and stigmatize books?
A: Ratings are neutral and factual—not value judgments. In music and film, similar systems have boosted trust and sales. They make it easier for books to stay on shelves instead of being removed due to vague complaints.
Q: Shouldn’t authors be free to create without explanation?
A: Authors still have full creative control. Ratings are a tool to protect their books and help them reach more readers safely.
Q: Could ratings give ammunition to book banners?
A: Actually, they do the opposite. Ratings provide a clear, objective standard that makes it harder for complaints to be based on personal bias.
Q: Won’t this cost authors money they can’t afford?
A: The program is designed to be affordable and scalable, with multiple pricing tiers. It can pay for itself over time by helping authors retain access to libraries and schools.
Links to Educational Resources
Explore more about why transparency and choice matter in book publishing and libraries:
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PEN America: Book Bans and Challenges in the United States
https://pen.org/book-bans/ -
Federal Trade Commission 2009 Study:
Marketing Violent Entertainment to Children
https://www.ftc.gov/reports/marketing-violent-entertainment-children-review-industrys-self-regulation -
Texas Authors Museum & Institute of History
[Your Organization’s Website Link Here]
Have another question?
???? Contact us at
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(Below is our vision of the searchable listings. This will continue to evolve based on our growth and understanding of what readers and librarians need.)
Searchable Listings
Explore the growing collection of books that have been reviewed and rated through ReadSafeRatings.
Our directory is designed to help readers, librarians, and booksellers quickly find books that meet their interests and needs.
How it works:
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Every book is assigned a clear content rating (C, G, PG, PG-13, R, NC-17) and any additional labels (EL, V, SC, DA, ST).
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Listings include book title, author, genre, short description, and rating summary.
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Use our search tool to find the right book for your library, classroom, or personal collection.
Filter by Rating, Genre, and Author
Refine your search:
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Rating: See only books with your preferred content level.
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Genre: Filter by fiction, nonfiction, romance, fantasy, children’s books, and more.
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Author: Search for your favorite author or discover new voices.
Example Filters:
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Show only C-rated books for children under 6.
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Browse all PG-13 historical fiction novels.
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Explore books with explicit language (EL) or sensitive topics (ST) for awareness in educational settings.
Together, these tools make it easy to navigate the changing landscape of book challenges and bans—while keeping the focus on informed choice and creative freedom.
Sample Book Listing
Book Title: PROVEN PATHWAYS TO WEALTH & HAPPINESS (2021 Revised)
Author: Victor Vonico Johnson
Rating: G
Content Labels: None
Explanation: This book is a motivational and practical guide on achieving financial well-being, wealth, and personal happiness through mindset change, goal setting, and practical financial strategies. It includes no explicit language, no violence, no sexual content, and no adult themes beyond general money and personal development. The book is suitable for general audiences of all ages.
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Submission Form
(We are currently working on the submission form. Below is the information we will require once it is up and running.)
Ready to have your book rated?
Fill out this simple form and join the ReadSafeRatings community of authors and librarians.
Required Information:
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Full Name
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Pen Name (if different)
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Email Address
- State of Residence
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Book Title
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Genre
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Target Age Group
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Short Book Description
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Digital Manuscript File (PDF, ePub, or Word)
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Cover Image (optional)
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Additional content notes (e.g., explicit language, violence, etc.)
Package Selection:
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Basic
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Standard
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Premium
By submitting your book, you acknowledge and accept our Legal & Liability Disclaimer (see below).
Legal & Liability Disclaimer
ReadSafeRatings is a voluntary, third-party program operated by the Texas Authors Museum & Institute of History, Inc.
All ratings and content labels are provided as informational tools only and are not legally binding.
Authors remain fully responsible for the content of their books.
ReadSafeRatings and the Texas Authors Museum & Institute of History, Inc. do not assume liability for how ratings are used or interpreted by others.
Participation in this program is strictly voluntary.
Pricing & Packages
We’ve created three affordable packages to suit your needs:
Basic Rating – $50
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Content review and assigned rating
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Digital badge to share online
Standard Package – $75
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Content review and assigned rating
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Digital badge + 10 high-quality stickers
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Inclusion in the ReadSafe Ratings Directory
Premium Package – $125
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Content review and assigned rating
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Digital badge + 25 high-quality stickers
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Inclusion in the Directory
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Featured spotlight in our newsletter and social media
All packages help support the mission of ReadSafe Ratings and the Texas Authors Museum & Institute of History, Inc., a nonprofit organization.
Turnaround Time
We’re committed to fast and fair reviews.
Our typical turnaround time is 10–14 business days.
We’ll confirm receipt of your submission and keep you updated on your book’s progress.
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Full Expanded Definitions
At ReadSafeRatings, we use a clear, expanded system to provide readers and librarians with honest, transparent information—while respecting authors’ creative freedom. Here’s what each rating means:
C / Children’s Books
Intended for children under 6 years old.
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No violence, strong language, or adult themes.
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Simple, positive, age-appropriate content.
G / General Audiences
Suitable for all ages.
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No strong language, violence, or explicit themes.
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Safe for family and community reading.
PG / Parental Guidance Suggested
Some mild language, mild peril, or thematic elements.
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No explicit sexual content or graphic violence.
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Recommended for readers with parental guidance.
PG-13 / Teen Readers
Moderate violence or mild to moderate sexual references.
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Swearing may be present.
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Recommended for ages 13 and up.
R / Mature Readers
Strong language.
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Intense violence or horror elements.
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Explicit sexual scenes or adult themes.
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Recommended for ages 17 and up.
NC-17 / Adults Only
Extremely graphic violence or sexual content.
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Explicit themes unsuitable for minors.
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Recommended for adults only.
Additional Content Labels
To provide even more context, ReadSafeRatings uses additional labels when needed:
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EL – Explicit Language
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V – Violence / Gore
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SC – Sexual Content
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DA – Drug / Alcohol Use
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ST – Sensitive Topics (e.g., abuse, trauma)
These labels help readers and librarians understand exactly what’s in a book—without restricting access.
Downloadable Image
For easy reference, we’ve prepared a downloadable image with the complete rating definitions and labels.
Use it in your library, bookstore, or classroom—or share it with fellow authors.
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Empowering Readers & Authors through Transparency
A voluntary, author-led book content rating system that informs readers and protects the creative voices of authors—while standing up to book bans and censorship.
Submit Your Book for Rating
What is ReadSafeRatings?
ReadSafeRatings is a community-driven book content rating system created by the Texas Authors Museum & Institute of History, Inc.
Modeled after trusted systems in music and film, it helps authors protect their work, librarians navigate new laws and challenges, and readers make informed choices.
It’s about transparency and choice—not censorship.
Key Benefits
For Authors:
- Build trust with readers, libraries, and retailers.
- Protect your book from arbitrary complaints and challenges.
- Showcase your work with confidence and clarity.
For Librarians & Schools:
- Clear, consistent ratings to guide your acquisitions.
- Reduce confusion or fear around new book ban laws.
- Support access to a diverse range of voices.
- Access a Database of Books that have been reviewed.
For Communities:
- Encourage open dialogue and informed decisions.
- Foster lifelong reading by giving parents and readers clear guidance—without restricting creativity.
How It Works (3 Steps)
1 - Submit your book.
Authors provide their book file, basic details, and choose a rating package.
2 - Receive your rating.
A neutral, fair review assigns your book a rating (C, G, PG, PG-13, R, NC-17) and any additional content labels.
3 - Share it proudly.
Use digital badges and high-quality stickers to showcase your rating and build trust with readers and librarians.
Educational Highlight: “C” Rating for Children’s Books
New! We’ve added a “C” rating to specifically cover picture books and early readers for children under 6 years old.
This ensures the youngest readers have access to safe, positive, and developmentally appropriate content.
Submit Your Book Today
Join the movement to protect your voice, your book, and your readers.
Submit your book for a ReadSafeRatings review today and be part of the growing community of authors and librarians standing together for transparency and creative freedom.