The moral arc

Michael Shermer

Cover of The moral arc

The moral arc

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

How Science and Reason Lead Humanity Toward Truth, Justice, and Freedom

by Michael Shermer

Reading Level 8 12LT 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.

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About This Book

Feel the crisp pages of history turning beneath your fingertips as the voices of great thinkers whisper secrets of science and justice. Imagine standing beside Galileo, Newton, and Martin Luther King Jr. as they use the power of reason to shape a kinder, fairer world. The journey through time reveals how curiosity and courage can light the path to a better tomorrow.

Themes

ScienceHistoryPhilosophySocial Justice

Quick Assessment

This nonfiction book explores how scientific thinking has influenced moral progress throughout history, highlighting key figures from Galileo to Martin Luther King Jr. It is suitable for middle-grade readers and introduces complex ideas about reason, justice, and societal change in an accessible way. Parents should note the book includes historical and philosophical concepts that may prompt thoughtful discussion.

For Parents

Content Intensity

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

Light conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.

Content Flags

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
5
World Scope
1
Data Confidence
7

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Details

Book Length

541 pages
ISBN
9780805096910
Pages
541
Publisher
Macmillan
Published
2015
Type
Nonfiction

Genres

Subjects

ScienceScience, Moral and Ethical AspectsScience, Social AspectsPhilosophy & Social AspectsPsychologyMoral and Ethical AspectsSocial AspectsScience--moral and Ethical Aspects--historyScience--social Aspects--historyScience--moral and Ethical AspectsScience--social AspectsBj57 .s48 2015170.9Sci075000 Sci034000 Psy000000