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United States History

Steven E. Woodworth

Cover of United States History

United States History

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

1500 to 1789, from Colony to Republic

by Steven E. Woodworth

Reading Level 4-5 9C Ages 9-12 Balanced Read

The text is written at a 4th 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

History isn't just about dates and battles—it's the story of how a new nation was born from daring explorers, brave settlers, and bold ideas. From mysterious voyages across the ocean to the fiery fight for freedom, every page reveals how America’s past shapes the world today. Understanding this story means discovering the roots of a country still growing and changing.

Themes

History - United StatesJuvenile NonfictionEducation

Quick Assessment

This nonfiction guide offers a clear and concise overview of early United States history, covering key events from 1500 to 1789. It's designed for upper elementary to middle-grade readers and serves as a helpful resource for both homework and deeper study. The content is appropriate for ages 9-12, focusing on foundational historical facts without intense conflict or graphic detail.

Why we rated United States History 9C

United States History is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 100 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, United States History works for readers up to grade 6.5.

We rate United States History as 9C ("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, United States History explores history - united states, juvenile nonfiction, and education — 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 history - united states, juvenile nonfiction, education.
  • 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

9C — Clear
Emotional
Clear
Physical
Clear
Social
Clear
Thematic
Clear

No conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Safe for sensitive readers.

Data confidence: standard

Was our "Gentle" content intensity rating accurate for this book?

Reading Insights

Hook Factor

1/10

A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.

Discussion Potential

1/10

A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

Vocabulary Level
4
Emotional Weight
2
Theme Richness
3
World Scope
1
Data Confidence
7

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Details

Book Length

100 pages
ISBN
9780132026130
Pages
100
Publisher
St. Martin's Press
Published
February 28, 2007
Type
Nonfiction

Genres

Subjects

United States/General