Black Dance in America
James Haskins
Black Dance in America
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
A History Through Its People
by James Haskins
The text is written at a 6th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for teens (ages 13+), and the content is gentle with no concerning themes.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
Black dance in America isn’t just about movement—it’s a powerful story of creativity and resilience. From the secret rhythms of slave rituals to the electric energy of break dancing, these dances changed the world. Discover why every step tells a story that still matters today.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This book explores the rich history of Black dance in America, tracing its roots from African slave rituals through tap, modern dance, and break dancing. Suitable for middle and high school readers, it includes biographies of key dancers and companies, offering cultural and historical insights without graphic content. It's a valuable resource for those interested in performing arts and African American history.
Why we rated Black Dance in America 11C
Black Dance in America is written at a Level 6 reading level across 232 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Black Dance in America works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Black Dance in America as 11C ("Clear") because the content sits in the "Gentle" range — no conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Across our four dimensions (emotional, physical, social, thematic) the book reads as evenly gentle; no single dimension stands out as a concern.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the gentle intensity score.
Thematically, Black Dance in America explores dance - classical, history - general, performing arts, afro-americans, and multicultural — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 13+ range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about dance - classical, history - general, performing arts.
- ✓ Curious kids who prefer real-world topics over made-up stories.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers whose emotional readiness lags behind their decoding skills — this book's intensity outruns its reading level, a classic "gifted kid" mismatch.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11C — ClearNo conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Safe for sensitive readers.
Was our "Gentle" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Black theater in America
James Haskins
Black theater in America
James Haskins
Break dancing
James Haskins
Break dancing
James Haskins
African Dance (World of Dance)
Kariamu Welsh-Asante
African Dance (World of Dance)
Kariamu Welsh-Asante
African Dance (World of Dance)
Kariamu Asante
African Dance (World of Dance)
Kariamu Asante
Katherine Dunham
James Haskins
Katherine Dunham
James Haskins
Alvin Ailey
Bárbara Cruz
Alvin Ailey
Bárbara Cruz
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780064461214
- Pages
- 232
- Publisher
- Harpercollins Childrens Books
- Published
- January 1992
- Type
- Nonfiction