What's your name?
Beth Goodman
What's your name?
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
a book of first names and what they mean
by Beth Goodman
The text is written at a 4th 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
I’m standing at the front of the class, heart pounding, as the teacher asks, ‘What’s your name?’ But what if your name could tell a story, a secret about who you are? Suddenly, names don’t seem so simple anymore—what will yours reveal?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This engaging middle-grade fiction book explores the meanings behind first names, encouraging children to think about identity and personal stories. Suitable for ages 9-12, it offers a thoughtful look at names without any distressing content, making it a great choice for self-discovery and language learning.
Why we rated What's your name? 9C
What's your name? is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 108 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, What's your name? works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate What's your name? as 9C ("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, What's your name? explores identity & self-discovery, personal growth, and juvenile literature — 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 identity & self-discovery, personal growth, juvenile literature.
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
9C — 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
- 0590439065
- Pages
- 108
- Publisher
- Scholastic
- Published
- 1991
- Type
- Fiction