The Disappearance of Childhood
by Neil Postman
Vintage 2011
Great fit for High School
Reading level and content both target 9th–12th grade · ages 14+
Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Retailer links may be affiliate links.
Genre
Themes
- media influence
- technology and society
- childhood vs. adulthood
- education and literacy
- social change
- commercialization
- identity and development
- ethics of information
About this book
Neil Postman explores how the idea of childhood emerged with print culture and how television—and later screens—blur the lines between children and adults. Drawing on history and media studies, he examines how access to information shapes maturity, behavior, and expectations for young people. This is a thought-provoking read for advanced high schoolers interested in media, sociology, or education. Students who enjoy debate and big ideas will appreciate Postman’s clear, provocative arguments.
Setting: Modern American society and media landscape; historical survey from print culture to television
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Disappearance of Childhood right for my child?
Yes — The Disappearance of Childhood is a great fit for High School. The reading level is AR 10.8, which is typical for High School. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 14+ (9th–12th grade). Themes include media influence, technology and society, childhood vs. adulthood.
How long does it take to read The Disappearance of Childhood?
At a typical High School reading pace, The Disappearance of Childhood takes around 4.0h to finish. The book has 60,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Disappearance of Childhood have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Disappearance of Childhood has an AR quiz available, worth 10 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 The Disappearance of Childhood?
The Disappearance of Childhood has an AR reading level of 10.8, which places it at a High School reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12) — 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.