Weapons of war
by Don Nardo
Lucent Books 2003
Great fit for High School
Reading level and content both target 9th–12th grade · ages 14+
Themes include ethics of war, impact of war on society
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Genre
Themes
- technology and innovation
- ethics of war
- arms race
- strategy and tactics
- cause and effect in history
- impact of war on society
- engineering and design
About this book
From spears and swords to tanks, missiles, and modern firearms, this survey traces how weapons have evolved and shaped warfare. Drawing on historical accounts and illustrations, Don Nardo explains how new technologies changed tactics and societies. Best for curious middle and high school readers who enjoy military history and technology, it offers clear explanations and context without glorifying violence. Students appreciate the organized chapters, primary-source excerpts, and the big-picture look at how invention and ethics intersect in war.
Setting: global, from ancient civilizations to the modern era, across battlefields and workshops
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Weapons of war right for my child?
Yes — Weapons of war is a great fit for High School. The reading level is AR 9.3, 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 technology and innovation, ethics of war, arms race.
How long does it take to read Weapons of war?
At a typical High School reading pace, Weapons of war takes around 2.0h to finish. The book has 30,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Weapons of war have an AR quiz?
Yes — Weapons of war has an AR quiz available, worth 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 Weapons of war?
Weapons of war has an AR reading level of 9.3, 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.