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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 13+ Balanced Read

The text is written at a 8th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for teens (ages 13+), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.

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About This Book

This book rewrites everything you thought you knew about history — from ancient civilizations to modern times, it tells the story of the world like never before. Packed with fascinating facts and global perspectives, it shows how our past shapes the present and the future. Understanding history has never been this powerful or important.

Quick Assessment

History of Our World offers a comprehensive and updated global narrative of world history, suitable for teens aged 13 to 18. This nonfiction work provides an authoritative overview of historical events with a balanced perspective, making it a valuable educational resource. It contains no graphic content but covers complex themes appropriate for mature young readers.

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, Complex Vocabulary.

Thematically, History of Our World explores history - general, science & nature, multicultural, and coming of age — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.

Good fit for

  • Children in the Ages 13+ 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
Light

Light conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.

Content Flags

Mild Peril Complex Vocabulary
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

3/10

A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

Vocabulary Level
7
Emotional Weight
4
Theme Richness
6
World Scope
1
Data Confidence
7

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Details

Book Length

1,276 pages
ISBN
9780132041423
Pages
1,276
Publisher
Pearson Prentice Hall
Published
February 28, 2007
Type
Nonfiction

Genres