FAILURE TO CONNECT
Jane M. Healy
FAILURE TO CONNECT
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
How Computers Affect Our Children's Minds -- and What We Can Do About It
by Jane M. Healy
The text is written at a 7th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), 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
Computers might seem like magic helpers for learning, but what if they actually make it harder for your brain to grow? Some programs can stop your creativity and even affect how you get along with others. Discover why using computers the right way matters more than you think!
Themes
Quick Assessment
This book explores the impact of computer use on children's brain development and social skills, addressing when and how technology should be integrated into education and home life. It offers practical guidance for parents and educators on selecting appropriate software and managing screen time effectively for children aged 9 to 12. The book emphasizes balancing technology with healthy mental and emotional growth.
Why we rated FAILURE TO CONNECT 12LT
FAILURE TO CONNECT is written at a Level 7 reading level across 352 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 8.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, FAILURE TO CONNECT works for readers up to grade 9.0.
We rate FAILURE TO CONNECT as 12LT ("Light — Thematic") 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, FAILURE TO CONNECT explores child care & upbringing, education, computing and information technology, and parenting - general — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 9-12 range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about child care & upbringing, education, computing and information technology.
- ✓ 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
12LT — Light — ThematicNo 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
Computers and children
Helen P. Singletary
Computers and children
Helen P. Singletary
The computer
Joanne Mattern
The computer
Joanne Mattern
Parents, kids & computers
Robin Raskin
Parents, kids & computers
Robin Raskin
Computer Fun Writing
Lisa Trumbauer
Computer Fun Writing
Lisa Trumbauer
Computer Literacy
Globe Fearon
Computer Literacy
Globe Fearon
Computer Literacy
Globe Fearon
Computer Literacy
Globe Fearon
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780684855394
- Pages
- 352
- Publisher
- Simon & Schuster
- Published
- September 1, 1999
- Type
- Nonfiction