In an appealing high-interest/easy-reading format, this book's readings and follow-up activities parallel standard world history textbooks. The first half of the book covers early civilizations, Greece and Rome, the Middle Ages, the growth of European power, and the Industrial Revolution; the second half focuses in unusual depth and detail on how the 19th and 20th centuries played out in five world regions: Asia, Europe, Africa, the Americas, and the Middle East. Each unit features an illustrated overview of a historical period with boldface vocabulary words, critical thinking questions, a one-page biography of a notable figure, at least one map, a puzzle quiz, and a review quiz. The book is a reproducible teacher's edition with an answer key. Reading level: grade 5. Interest level: grades 6 to 12. Glossary. Illustrated. JWW345