Where Is Stonehenge? cover

Where Is Stonehenge?

Author: Kelley, True

Reading Metrics

Grade Level Middle Grades (MG 4-8)
Book Level 5.6
Points 1.0
Fiction/Nonfiction Nonfiction
Word Count 7700
Points per Word 0.00013
Page Count 108
Points per Page 0.009259
Series Where Is...?

Description

On the Salisbury Plain in southern England stands a circle of massive stones that has sparked curiosity for millennia. This accessible guide walks readers through the history of Stonehenge, from its construction over four thousand years ago to the modern investigations that try to explain its purpose. It lays out the main theories whether the site served as a religious monument, a healing sanctuary, or an ancient calendar and explains how archaeologists and historians have arrived at each idea. Aimed at middle-grade readers, the book balances factual details with the sense of mystery that still surrounds the ancient stone circle.

Quick Summary

If you've ever stared at a picture of Stonehenge and wondered how on earth people moved those giant stones without modern machines, this book is a great place to start. It mixes easy-to-read explanations with a handful of goofy illustrations and fun facts, so even if you're not a history buff you'll find yourself grinning while you learn about the many theories from ancient druids to space-age visitors that people have come up with over the centuries. The short chapters and clear timeline make it perfect for a kid who wants a quick, no-pressure read, and it's especially good for anyone who likes to ask "why?" and "how?" about old places. Because it's part of the popular "Where Is?" series, it keeps things light and focused, which makes it a good stepping stone to longer nonfiction if that's your next goal. If you enjoy this one, you'll probably like the same series' look at the Great Pyramid or the Amazon Rainforest, which follow the same friendly style.