The author tells the truth about the gruesome side of modern history, but without graphic images (ie. There are no images of Holocaust corpses or emaciated bodies) or particular words (Ie. The author uses the word “assault” rather than “rape” to describe war crimes except for using “The Rape of Nanking” as the title of a tragic historical event.)

We don’t recommend Volume IV for Younger Students just starting our series. The reading level and themes are too difficult. However, if younger ones are tagging along Middle and Older Student siblings, the author offers age-appropriate activities to help little ones deflect. A good example of this would the the study of the Holocaust. Difficult for any age, the author steers Younger Students towards the positive themes of the value of life and heroism through hands-on activities in the Companion Guide.

This is a world history book, with a lot of American history in it, but not enough to count it for American history. However, an experienced teacher can use Volume IV in two years and add more American history to it to offer students one year of modern history and one year of American history.