HootRated mascot HootRated

History of Our World

John Morris Roberts, Odd Arne Westad

Cover of History of Our World

History of Our World

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by John Morris Roberts, Odd Arne Westad

Reading Level 8 12LP Ages 9-12 Balanced Read

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 mild with minimal sensitive material.

We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.

About This Book

History is not just about dates and places—it's the story of everyone on Earth, all connected in surprising ways. This book takes you on a journey through the events that shaped our world, showing how each moment matters to us today. Understanding history helps us see where we come from and imagine where we can go next.

Themes

History - GeneralScience & NatureMulticulturalEducation

Quick Assessment

This updated edition of a classic world history book offers a comprehensive and accessible overview of global history for middle-grade readers. Suitable for ages 9-12, it presents complex historical events in a clear narrative without graphic content, making it appropriate for classroom and home learning. Parents can expect a broad perspective that encourages understanding of diverse cultures and historical contexts.

Why we rated History of Our World 12LP

History of Our World is written at a Level 8 reading level across 1276 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 9.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, History of Our World works for readers up to grade 10.0.

We rate History of Our World as 12LP ("Light — Physical") because the content sits in the "Mild" range — mild conflict — the kind a child encounters in normal play and sibling life. Across our four dimensions (emotional, physical, social, thematic) the book reads as evenly mild; no single dimension stands out as a concern.

Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Mild Peril.

Thematically, History of Our World explores history - general, science & nature, multicultural, and education — 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 - general, science & nature, multicultural.
  • Curious kids who prefer real-world topics over made-up stories.

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

12LP — Light — Physical
Emotional
Clear
Physical
Light
Social
Clear
Thematic
Clear

Light conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.

Content Flags

Mild Peril
Data confidence: standard

Was our "Mild" 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
7
Emotional Weight
4
Theme Richness
5
World Scope
1
Data Confidence
7

Similar Books

Based on content and theme analysis

See all books like this →

Details

Book Length

1,276 pages
ISBN
9780132041393
Pages
1,276
Publisher
Pearson Prentice Hall
Published
February 28, 2007
Type
Nonfiction

Genres