Dreadfully Deadly History
Clive Gifford
Dreadfully Deadly History
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
A Mega Mix of Death, Disease and Destruction
by Clive Gifford
The text is written at a 6th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content has moderate intensity with some emotionally heavy themes.
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About This Book
Did you know there were secret ways to test if someone was a witch? Or that making a mummy could be done in just eight simple steps? These creepy, weird, and downright spooky facts from history are just the start of a journey into the past’s darkest secrets—but that’s only the beginning.
Themes
Quick Assessment
'Dreadfully Deadly History' offers middle-grade readers a fascinating and sometimes gruesome look at historical facts about death and punishment. The book includes vivid descriptions of events like witch trials, mummification, and royal intrigues, making it suitable for ages 9-12 who enjoy curious and slightly spooky nonfiction. Parents should note the focus on macabre topics presented in an educational and engaging style.
Why we rated Dreadfully Deadly History 11MP
Dreadfully Deadly History is written at a Level 6 reading level across 240 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Dreadfully Deadly History works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Dreadfully Deadly History as 11MP ("Moderate — Physical") because the content sits in the "Moderate" range — moderate conflict that may involve loss, scary scenes, or interpersonal stakes. The strongest signals come from physical peril — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the moderate intensity score.
Thematically, Dreadfully Deadly History explores history, death, education, and curiosity — 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 history, death, education.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers who get easily upset by emotional or moderately dark scenes — the conflict here is real, not just background flavor.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11MP — Moderate — PhysicalReal stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.
Was our "Moderate" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781458764676
- Pages
- 240
- Publisher
- ReadHowYouWant.com, Limited
- Published
- 2015
- Type
- Fiction