What Was the Wild West?
Janet B. Pascal
What Was the Wild West?
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Janet B. Pascal
The text is written at a 5th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
Step back in time to explore the exciting world of the Wild West, where brave pioneers, daring cowboys, clever lawmen, and infamous outlaws shaped a wild and adventurous era. Discover the people and stories that made this rugged period unforgettable.
Quick Assessment
This is a Level 5-6 book with mild content intensity. Content themes include mild peril, fantasy violence. Written for readers ages 9-12.
Why we rated What Was the Wild West? 10LP
What Was the Wild West? is written at a Level 5-6 reading level (approximately 7,875 words). Strong independent readers around grade 6.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, What Was the Wild West? works for readers up to grade 7.5.
Read aloud, What Was the Wild West? takes about 52 minutes, which fits within a single read-aloud session.
We rate What Was the Wild West? as 10LP ("Light — Physical") because the content sits in the "Mild" range — mild conflict — the kind a child encounters in normal play and sibling life. Across our four dimensions (emotional, physical, social, thematic) the book reads as evenly mild; no single dimension stands out as a concern.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Mild Peril, Fantasy Violence.
Thematically, What Was the Wild West? explores historical, adventure, and family — 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.
- ✓ Readers who like a steady plot with enough momentum to keep pages turning.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about historical, adventure, family.
- ✓ Readers who fall hard for one book and want a long series to live in — there are 5 more books in the What Was.../What Is...? series.
- ✓ Curious kids who prefer real-world topics over made-up stories.
Maybe not for
- ! Children who are sensitive to violence, even when handled at age-appropriate levels.
For Parents
Content Intensity
10LP — Light — PhysicalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Content Flags
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
6/10Engaging read with solid pacing and interesting themes.
Discussion Potential
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
More in the What Was.../What Is...? Series
What Was the Great Chicago Fire?
Janet B. Pascal, Who HQ
What Was the Great Chicago Fire?
Janet B. Pascal, Who HQ
What Is the Panama Canal?
Janet B. Pascal, Who HQ
What Is the Panama Canal?
Janet B. Pascal, Who HQ
What Was the Hindenburg?
Janet B. Pascal
What Was the Hindenburg?
Janet B. Pascal
What Was the Great Depression?
Janet B. Pascal, Who HQ
What Was the Great Depression?
Janet B. Pascal, Who HQ
What Is the Civil Rights Movement?
Sherri L. Smith
What Is the Civil Rights Movement?
Sherri L. Smith
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
The Wild West
Gina DeAngelis
The Wild West
Gina DeAngelis
Wild West
Unknown
Wild West
Unknown
Wild, Wild West
Dina Anastasio
Wild, Wild West
Dina Anastasio
The wild West
Robin May
The wild West
Robin May
Wild West
Mort Künstler
Wild West
Mort Künstler
The Legendary Wild West
C. Carter Smith
The Legendary Wild West
C. Carter Smith
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780399544262
- Publisher
- Penguin Workshop
- Published
- 2017-04-25
- Type
- Nonfiction
- Word Count
- 7,875
- Read-Aloud
- ~52 min