On the Shores of the Great Sea (Yesterday's Classics)
Margaret Bertha Synge
On the Shores of the Great Sea (Yesterday's Classics)
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Margaret Bertha Synge
Illustrated by E. M. Synge
The text is written at a 6th 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
Have you ever wondered what life was like by the vast Mediterranean Sea thousands of years ago? Imagine exploring ancient worlds filled with mighty empires like the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans, where legends and history come alive. What secrets will you uncover as these great civilizations rise and fall?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This historical fiction book introduces children ages 9 to 12 to the ancient civilizations surrounding the Mediterranean Sea, from the time of Abraham to the birth of Christ. It combines engaging storytelling with brief histories of cultures such as the Israelites, Phoenicians, Egyptians, and Romans, making it suitable for independent readers and younger children as a read-aloud. The narrative includes myths, legends, and key historical events, providing a well-rounded introduction to early Western history without intense content.
Why we rated On the Shores of the Great Sea (Yesterday's Classics) 11C
On the Shores of the Great Sea (Yesterday's Classics) 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, On the Shores of the Great Sea (Yesterday's Classics) works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate On the Shores of the Great Sea (Yesterday's Classics) as 11C ("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, On the Shores of the Great Sea (Yesterday's Classics) explores history - ancient, juvenile nonfiction, adventure, family, and multicultural — 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 - ancient, juvenile nonfiction, adventure.
- ✓ 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
11C — ClearNo conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Safe for sensitive readers.
Was our "Gentle" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
2/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781599150130
- Pages
- 240
- Publisher
- Yesterdays Classics
- Published
- January 1, 2006
- Type
- Nonfiction