Having Our Say
Sarah Louise Delany
Having Our Say
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
The Delany Sisters' First 100 Years
by Sarah Louise Delany
The text is written at a 6th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for teens (ages 13+), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.
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About This Book
These two sisters lived through a time when many doors were closed to African American women—yet they opened their own. They became successful professionals during the vibrant Harlem Renaissance, showing what courage and determination can achieve. Their story proves that breaking barriers changes history forever.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This historical fiction novel follows two African American sisters who reflect on their lives and achievements during the Harlem Renaissance. It offers a rich exploration of race, gender, and professional success in early 20th-century America, suitable for teens aged 13-18. Parents should note themes of social challenges and perseverance but no graphic content.
Why we rated Having Our Say 11LS
Having Our Say is written at a Level 6 reading level across 299 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Having Our Say works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Having Our Say as 11LS ("Light — Social") because the content sits in the "Mild" range — mild conflict — the kind a child encounters in normal play and sibling life. Across our four dimensions (emotional, physical, social, thematic) the book reads as evenly mild; no single dimension stands out as a concern.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Racial Discrimination.
Thematically, Having Our Say explores historical, people of color, women, biography / autobiography, and coming of age — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers. Each of these themes is concrete enough to seed a real conversation, not just a moral lesson.
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.
- ✓ Readers ready to talk through themes after they finish — there's enough substance for a meaningful conversation.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about historical, people of color, women.
- ✓ Curious kids who prefer real-world topics over made-up stories.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11LS — Light — SocialLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Content Flags
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
5/10Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780785769699
- Pages
- 299
- Publisher
- Turtleback Books
- Published
- October 1999
- Type
- Nonfiction