Josephine
Beverly Jenkins
Josephine
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Beverly Jenkins
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 mild with minimal sensitive material.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
Josephine Best is not your average seventeen-year-old—she’s already running her own hair salon and has big plans for her future. But when two very different soldiers start vying for her heart, Jojo faces a choice that could change everything. Can she stay true to herself while navigating love and loyalty during a time of war?
Themes
Quick Assessment
Set during the War Between the States, this middle-grade novel follows Josephine, a determined African American teenage girl who balances her ambitions with complex feelings for two soldiers. The story explores themes of love, personal growth, and historical context appropriate for ages 9-12. Parents should note the historical setting includes references to war but handles these elements with sensitivity.
Why we rated Josephine 11LE
Josephine is written at a Level 6 reading level across 246 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Josephine works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Josephine as 11LE ("Light — Emotional") 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.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the mild intensity score.
Thematically, Josephine explores african american teenage girls, love, history, coming of age, 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.
- ✓ Readers ready to talk through themes after they finish — there's enough substance for a meaningful conversation.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about african american teenage girls, love, history.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11LE — Light — EmotionalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
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
4/10Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
The many faces of Josephine Baker
Peggy Caravantes
The many faces of Josephine Baker
Peggy Caravantes
Journey to Jo'burg
Beverley Naidoo
Journey to Jo'burg
Beverley Naidoo
Joseph
Bonnie Pryor
Joseph
Bonnie Pryor
Belle
Beverly Jenkins
Belle
Beverly Jenkins
Joseph
Shelia P. Moses
Joseph
Shelia P. Moses
Josephine Against the Sea
Shakirah Bourne
Josephine Against the Sea
Shakirah Bourne
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780373831258
- Pages
- 246
- Publisher
- Kimani Press
- Published
- 2009
- Type
- Fiction