I want to take you higher
James Henke, Parke Puterbaugh
I want to take you higher
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
The Psychedelic Era 1965-1969
by James Henke, Parke Puterbaugh
The text is written at a 6th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is gentle with no concerning themes.
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About This Book
Hear the crackle of electric guitars and feel the pulse of drums that shaped a generation. Walls come alive with colorful posters and unforgettable photos capturing the wild spirit of psychedelic rock. The music isn't just heard—it's felt in every beat and image, sparking a journey through time and emotion.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fiction book explores the vibrant world of psychedelic rock music through vivid images, posters, and an illustrated timeline. Featuring classic and rare photographs from legendary rock photographers, it offers an engaging introduction to the cultural history of the era. Suitable for ages 9-12, it provides rich sensory experiences without intense or graphic content.
Why we rated I want to take you higher 11C
I want to take you higher is written at a Level 6 reading level across 206 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, I want to take you higher works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate I want to take you higher as 11C ("Clear") 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, I want to take you higher explores music history, art & photography, and cultural exploration — 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 music history, art & photography, cultural exploration.
- ✓ 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
11C — ClearNo 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
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780811817257
- Pages
- 206
- Publisher
- Chronicle Books in association with Sarah Lazin Books and Alexander Isley, Inc.
- Published
- 1997
- Type
- Nonfiction