Our World of Water
Children and Water Around the World
by Beatrice Hollyer
Henry Holt and Company (BYR) 2009
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
Themes include environmental stewardship
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Genre
Themes
- global citizenship
- water scarcity
- environmental stewardship
- daily life around the world
- community and responsibility
- equity and access
- sustainability
- empathy
About this book
This photo-rich nonfiction book follows six children in Peru, Mauritania, the United States, Bangladesh, Ethiopia, and Tajikistan to show how water shapes their daily lives. Readers see where water comes from, how families collect and use it, and why clean water matters. The book invites discussion about conservation and fairness as climate change affects communities differently. It’s a thoughtful, accessible read for elementary and middle grade students who enjoy real-world stories and global perspectives.
Setting: Contemporary real-world locations across Peru, Mauritania, the United States, Bangladesh, Ethiopia, and Tajikistan
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Our World of Water right for my child?
Yes — Our World of Water is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.2, which is typical for 5th 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 global citizenship, water scarcity, environmental stewardship.
How long does it take to read Our World of Water?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Our World of Water takes around 16m to finish. The book has 2,600 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Our World of Water have an AR quiz?
Yes — Our World of Water has an AR quiz available, worth 0.5 points. 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 Our World of Water?
Our World of Water has an AR reading level of 5.2, which places it at a 5th 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.