Reaching High

Doron Libshtein, Shiri Libshtein

Reaching High

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

Part 1 Prebind Set (Scribner's Basal Reading Enrichment Collection, Grade 6)

by Doron Libshtein, Shiri Libshtein

Reading Level 8 12C Ages 9-12 Sweet Spot

The text is written at a 8th 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

What if you could change how you see the world and turn your dreams into reality? Imagine a year-long adventure where two people explore everything from work and family to fun and friendship, learning how to grow and reach higher every day. But what happens when they realize the real magic isn’t changing life itself—but changing how they respond to it?

Themes

Family Friendship Coming of AgePersonal GrowthEmotional Intelligence

Quick Assessment

Reaching High is a middle-grade fiction book aimed at readers aged 9-12 that explores themes of personal growth and self-improvement through the journey of a husband and wife over one year. Each chapter focuses on different aspects of life such as work, family, health, and spirituality, encouraging readers to adopt a thoughtful and open mindset. The book supports developing emotional intelligence and resilience, suitable for young readers ready to consider deeper life questions in an age-appropriate way.

Why we rated Reaching High 12C

Reaching High is written at a Level 8 reading level across 560 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 9.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Reaching High works for readers up to grade 10.0.

We rate Reaching High as 12C ("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, Reaching High explores family, friendship, coming of age, personal growth, and emotional intelligence — 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 family, friendship, coming of age.

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

12C — Clear

Emotional

Clear

Physical

Clear

Social

Clear

Thematic

Clear

No conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Safe for sensitive readers.

Data confidence: standard

Was our "Gentle" content intensity rating accurate for this book?

Reading Insights

Hook Factor

1/10

A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.

Discussion Potential

2/10

A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

Vocabulary Level

Emotional Weight

Theme Richness

World Scope

Data Confidence

Arthea J. S. Reed

Level 8

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Details

Book Length

560 pages

ISBN: 9780848001919
Pages: 560
Publisher: CreateSpace
Published: August 1989
Type: Fiction

Genres

Self-Help