Mission: Planet Earth
Our World and Its Climate--and How Humans Are Changing Them
by Sally Ride, Tam O'Shaughnessy
Macmillan 2009
Great fit for 7th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
Themes include stewardship and responsibility
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Genre
Themes
- climate change
- scientific inquiry
- interdependence of Earth systems
- cause and effect
- stewardship and responsibility
- data and evidence
- human impact on the environment
About this book
Written by astronaut Sally Ride and scientist Tam O’Shaughnessy, this accessible guide explains how Earth’s systems—air, water, ice, and land—work together to shape our climate. Clear text, diagrams, and photographs break down big ideas like the greenhouse effect, the carbon cycle, and feedback loops. Readers learn what scientists look for, how humans are changing the climate, and practical ways to think about solutions. It’s a strong choice for curious middle graders who like real-world science explained with visuals.
Setting: Planet Earth in the modern day
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mission: Planet Earth right for my child?
Yes — Mission: Planet Earth is a great fit for 7th grade. The reading level is AR 7.6, which is typical for 7th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 9–14 (4th–8th grade). Themes include climate change, scientific inquiry, interdependence of Earth systems.
How long does it take to read Mission: Planet Earth?
At a typical 7th grade reading pace, Mission: Planet Earth takes around 46m to finish. The book has 8,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Mission: Planet Earth have an AR quiz?
Yes — Mission: Planet Earth has an AR quiz available, worth 1 point. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is Mission: Planet Earth?
Mission: Planet Earth has an AR reading level of 7.6, which places it at a 7th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.