The History of Drugs - Amphetamines (The History of Drugs)
Nancy Harris
The History of Drugs - Amphetamines (The History of Drugs)
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Nancy Harris
The text is written at a 4th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for teens (ages 13+), and the content has moderate intensity with some emotionally heavy themes.
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About This Book
Amphetamines have shaped history in ways you might never expect — from medicine cabinets to the streets. This story reveals how a drug meant to heal turned into a powerful force changing lives everywhere. Understanding this journey shows why it’s so important to know the truth behind what we take.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This book explores the complex history of amphetamines, detailing their initial medical uses and the rise of methamphetamine as a widely abused substance. Aimed at teens, it provides factual information appropriate for ages 13 and up, addressing social and health issues related to drug use. Parents should note it discusses substance use with a focus on real-world impact rather than glamorization.
Why we rated The History of Drugs - Amphetamines (The History of Drugs) 9MS
The History of Drugs - Amphetamines (The History of Drugs) is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 174 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The History of Drugs - Amphetamines (The History of Drugs) works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate The History of Drugs - Amphetamines (The History of Drugs) as 9MS ("Moderate — Social") 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, social complexity — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Substance Use.
Thematically, The History of Drugs - Amphetamines (The History of Drugs) explores social studies, health sciences, social problems, and technology - medicine — 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 social studies, health sciences, social problems.
- ✓ Curious kids who prefer real-world topics over made-up stories.
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
9MS — Moderate — SocialReal stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.
Content Flags
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
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780737719499
- Pages
- 174
- Publisher
- Greenhaven Press, Incorporated
- Published
- October 1, 2004
- Type
- Nonfiction