The story of our civilization
Harris, Nicholas
The story of our civilization
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Harris, Nicholas
The text is written at a 2nd grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for younger children (ages 5–8), and the content is gentle with no concerning themes.
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About This Book
Have you ever wondered how people lived long, long ago? Imagine walking alongside cave people as they discover fire and build the first homes. What amazing changes will happen next in the story of our civilization?
Quick Assessment
This book introduces young readers to the history of human civilization, from early cave dwellers to modern societies. It's written at a grade 2 reading level, making it accessible for ages 5-8. The content is gentle and educational, focusing on the development of communities without any distressing details.
Why we rated The story of our civilization 7C
The story of our civilization is written at a Level 2 reading level across 32 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 3.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The story of our civilization works for readers up to grade 4.0.
We rate The story of our civilization as 7C ("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 our civilization explores historical, science & nature, and family — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 5-8 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, family.
- ✓ Curious kids who prefer real-world topics over made-up stories.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
7C — 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
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0761312579
- Pages
- 32
- Publisher
- Millbrook Press
- Published
- 1999
- Type
- Nonfiction