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Labeling books in these ways is good in theory but impossible in practice.
In a world where people are offended by things that don't have anything to do with them (e.g. gay marriage) or where sex is considered worse than violence (the American movie ratings system), how can anybody come up with a system that notifies parents of material that may be unsuitable for their children?
Perhaps people should rely on their own judgement or that of peer groups. If you belong to a religious group with set beliefs, the group can decide what they feel is suitable for children. If you are a parent, discuss it with other parents you trust and see eye-to-eye with.
The book industry or government cannot decide beyond a very superficial level what is suitable for children.
As for adults, we all should be mature enough to make informed decisions about what to read, and if you accidentally read something you don't like, then too bad.
It's trickier with books than movies. Movies show very explicit images. It makes sense to say 'this movie is very violent and should not be seen by children'. The way it is implemented is ridiculously stupid and money-driven, however. I wouldn't want a form of 'passive censorship' whereby a publisher won't put a book on the shelves unless the author weakens the content to fit a standard. Books are rare in that they are usually the work of a single person with a singular vision. If the author believes it is important for some sex or violence in their book, then I trust them.
I read a book once called "God's Concubine". The American release of the same book was renamed (subtly) to "Gods' Concubine" to appease the more Christian American culture. I find it sad that people can be so offended by fiction that the author has to change their vision.
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