Laid
Shannon T. Boodram
Laid
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
Young People's Experiences with Sex in an Easy-Access Culture
by Shannon T. Boodram
The text is written at a 7th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for teens (ages 13+), and the content is intense and may include graphic or distressing scenes.
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About This Book
Sex is something everyone talks about, but what does it really mean to the teens living it? These stories reveal the real feelings, fears, and choices young people face about sex today—and why understanding them matters more than ever.
Themes
Quick Assessment
Laid is a candid anthology featuring over 40 personal stories from teens and young adults about their experiences with sex, including topics like first encounters, STIs, abstinence, and unplanned pregnancies. Written by journalist Shannon T. Boodram, the book combines honest narratives with factual information and thoughtful analysis, making it a valuable resource for older teens navigating complex issues around sexuality. Parents should note its frank discussions and mature themes appropriate for ages 13 and up.
Why we rated Laid 12IE
Laid is written at a Level 7 reading level across 328 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 8.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Laid works for readers up to grade 9.0.
We rate Laid 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, social complexity, thematic difficulty — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Sexual Content, STI Discussion, Unplanned Pregnancy.
Thematically, Laid explores young adults, sexual behavior, coming of age, health education, and social issues — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
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.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about young adults, sexual behavior, coming of age.
Maybe not for
- ! Sensitive readers who get overwhelmed by intense conflict or scary scenes.
- ! Children younger than 13+ — the content intensity is above what most younger kids can process comfortably.
- ! 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
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781580053242
- Pages
- 328
- Publisher
- Seal Press
- Published
- 2009
- Type
- Fiction