Human sexuality
Sharon Goldsmith
Human sexuality
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
The Family Source Book
by Sharon Goldsmith
The text is written at a 7th 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
Human sexuality is more than just a topic—it's the key to understanding yourself and others in a whole new way. This book breaks down tough questions about growing up, feelings, and bodies with clear, honest answers that matter for everyone’s journey.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This book provides age-appropriate, comprehensive information on human sexuality tailored for middle-grade readers. It covers topics such as intimacy, sexual orientation, menstruation, pregnancy, and consent in a straightforward manner, suitable for ages 9-12. Parents should note that sensitive subjects like rape and affairs are addressed thoughtfully but may warrant parental guidance.
Why we rated Human sexuality 12ME
Human sexuality is written at a Level 7 reading level across 385 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 8.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Human sexuality works for readers up to grade 9.0.
We rate Human sexuality as 12ME ("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.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Sexual Content, Sensitive Topics.
Thematically, Human sexuality explores sex instruction, hygiene, identity & self-discovery, and family — 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 sex instruction, hygiene, identity & self-discovery.
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
12ME — Moderate — EmotionalReal stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.
Content Flags
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
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780801618871
- Pages
- 385
- Publisher
- Mosby Incorporated
- Published
- 1986
- Type
- Fiction