Making contact
Arthur C. Wassmer
Making contact
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
A Guide to Overcoming Shyness
by Arthur C. Wassmer
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
Here's a secret: sometimes, the hardest thing isn't speaking, but making contact in a way that truly connects. Imagine discovering the hidden power behind shy smiles and quiet moments—but that's only the beginning.
Themes
Quick Assessment
Making Contact explores the subtle dynamics of interpersonal communication and bashfulness in a way that is accessible for middle-grade readers. It offers insights into how children can better understand and navigate social interactions, making it suitable for ages 9-12. The book handles themes of shyness and relationships thoughtfully, without intense or distressing content.
Why we rated Making contact 11LE
Making contact 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, Making contact works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Making contact as 11LE ("Light — Emotional") 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, Making contact explores interpersonal communication, bashfulness, friendship, 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 interpersonal communication, bashfulness, friendship.
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
11LE — Light — EmotionalNo 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
- 9780805013481
- Pages
- 246
- Publisher
- Owl Books
- Published
- 1990
- Type
- Fiction