Record Breakers
Gareth Stevens Publishing
Record Breakers
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Gareth Stevens Publishing
The text is written at a 4th 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
The world is full of jaw-dropping records that prove just how amazing people and nature can be. From towering mountains to lightning-fast animals, these incredible feats show what happens when limits are pushed. Discover why breaking records isn’t just about being first—it’s about inspiring what’s possible next.
Themes
Quick Assessment
Record Breakers introduces children ages 9-12 to fascinating facts about extraordinary achievements in nature and human history. The book encourages curiosity about science, technology, and societal evolution through engaging nonfiction content suitable for middle-grade readers. It contains no content concerns and is ideal for promoting learning about the natural world and human innovation.
Why we rated Record Breakers 9C
Record Breakers is written at a Level 4-5 reading level. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Record Breakers works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Record Breakers as 9C ("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, Record Breakers explores science & nature, juvenile nonfiction, 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 science & nature, juvenile nonfiction, education.
- ✓ 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
9C — ClearNo conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Safe for sensitive readers.
Was our "Gentle" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
- ISBN
- 9780836819472
- Publisher
- Gareth Stevens Pub
- Published
- September 1997
- Type
- Nonfiction