Having been there
Allan Luks
Having been there
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Allan Luks
The text is written at a 4th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content has moderate intensity with some emotionally heavy themes.
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About This Book
What happens when people face tough choices and secrets that shape their lives? Imagine stepping into the shoes of characters dealing with challenges like family struggles and personal battles. Each story opens a new door, but what will you discover behind it?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This collection features short stories centered around American life, with themes including family challenges and alcoholism. Suitable for middle-grade readers (ages 9-12), the stories provide thoughtful reflections on personal and social issues, presented in an accessible yet meaningful way. Parents should be aware that some stories touch on sensitive topics like addiction, but these are handled with care and depth.
Why we rated Having been there 9ME
Having been there is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 189 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Having been there works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Having been there as 9ME ("Moderate — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Moderate" range — moderate conflict that may involve loss, scary scenes, or interpersonal stakes. The strongest signals come from emotional weight, social complexity — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the moderate intensity score.
Thematically, Having been there explores american life, family, addiction, short stories, and coming of age — 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.
- ✓ Readers ready to talk through themes after they finish — there's enough substance for a meaningful conversation.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about american life, family, addiction.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers who get easily upset by emotional or moderately dark scenes — the conflict here is real, not just background flavor.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9ME — Moderate — EmotionalReal stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.
Was our "Moderate" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
4/10Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0684161702
- Pages
- 189
- Publisher
- Macmillan Reference USA
- Published
- 1979
- Type
- Fiction