The wicked history of the world
Terry Deary
The wicked history of the world
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
History with the Nasty Bits Left In!
by Terry Deary
The text is written at a 3rd grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for younger children (ages 5–8), and the content has moderate intensity with some emotionally heavy themes.
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About This Book
History isn’t just about kings and queens—it’s full of wild villains and daring deeds that you won’t believe! Dive into a world where the past gets a little wicked and discover why these stories still matter today.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This illustrated, humorous book provides an engaging introduction to world history for early readers, focusing on notable villains and violent events. Suitable for children ages 5-8, it presents historical facts with a playful tone while highlighting the darker moments in a way that's accessible for young audiences.
Why we rated The wicked history of the world 8MP
The wicked history of the world is written at a Level 3 reading level across 93 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 4.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The wicked history of the world works for readers up to grade 5.0.
We rate The wicked history of the world as 8MP ("Moderate — Physical") 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 — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the moderate intensity score.
Thematically, The wicked history of the world explores world history, humor, villains, and violence — 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 world history, humor, villains.
- ✓ 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
8MP — Moderate — PhysicalReal stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.
Was our "Moderate" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
2/10A 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
- 9780439877862
- Pages
- 93
- Publisher
- Scholastic Reference
- Published
- 2006
- Type
- Nonfiction