The story of Idaho
Virgil M. Young
The story of Idaho
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Virgil M. Young
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
Feel the crisp mountain air and hear the rustling leaves as you explore Idaho’s vast landscapes. Discover the stories of its rivers, forests, and the people who call this place home. Every page brings the spirit of Idaho alive, making you feel right there in the heart of its wild beauty.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This updated edition offers a thorough overview of Idaho's history, geography, and culture, making it suitable for middle grade readers aged 9-12. Approved by the Idaho Department of Education, it provides educational content that supports curriculum standards without intense or mature themes. The book serves as an engaging introduction to the state’s diverse environment and heritage.
Why we rated The story of Idaho 11C
The story of Idaho is written at a Level 6 reading level across 257 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The story of Idaho works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate The story of Idaho 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, The story of Idaho explores historical, science & nature, geography, and adventure — 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 historical, science & nature, geography.
- ✓ 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
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0893012599
- Pages
- 257
- Publisher
- University of Idaho Press
- Published
- 2002
- Type
- Nonfiction