Homegoing
Yaa Gyasi
Homegoing
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
A novel
by Yaa Gyasi
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 intense and may include graphic or distressing scenes.
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About This Book
What if two sisters started their lives worlds apart, not knowing they were connected? One lives in a grand castle, while the other faces a frightening journey far away. Imagine how their choices ripple through generations, changing everything—and what secrets lie waiting to be uncovered?
Quick Assessment
Homegoing is a multi-generational historical fiction novel tracing the lives of two half-sisters and their descendants from 18th-century Ghana through pivotal moments in American history. The story explores the harsh realities of slavery and its lasting impact, making it suitable for mature middle grade readers who can handle complex themes related to identity, history, and family legacy. Parents should be aware that the book addresses difficult topics such as slavery, violence, and cultural trauma.
Why we rated Homegoing 12IE
Homegoing is written at a Level 7 reading level across 305 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 8.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Homegoing works for readers up to grade 9.0.
We rate Homegoing as 12IE ("Intense — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Intense" range — intense conflict including peril, frightening scenes, or emotionally heavy themes. The strongest signals come from emotional weight, physical peril, social complexity, thematic difficulty — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Slavery, Violence, Cultural Trauma.
Thematically, Homegoing explores multicultural, family, coming of age, historical, and social justice — 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 multicultural, family, coming of age.
Maybe not for
- ! Sensitive readers who get overwhelmed by intense conflict or scary scenes.
- ! Children younger than 9-12 — the content intensity is above what most younger kids can process comfortably.
- ! Children who are sensitive to violence, even when handled at age-appropriate levels.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
12IE — Intense — EmotionalHeavy themes explored in depth. War, death, abuse addressed directly.
Content Flags
Was our "Intense" 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
- 9781101947142
- Pages
- 305
- Publisher
- Vintage
- Published
- 2016
- Type
- Fiction