Dickens & Rumi
Cover of WHAT WAS . . . ?

book

WHAT WAS . . . ?

Age rating, content warnings & parent guide

various authors

Is WHAT WAS . . . ? appropriate for your child? See the reviewed age guidance, content cautions, positive themes, and supporting evidence below.

Exploring milestones and events in American culture and history. (Ages 8 to 12)

Ages 8+Source checked

Why this age? The series is tailored for middle-grade readers (ages 8-12). Content is educational, objective, and presented in a straightforward, age-appropriate manner, though some historical topics may involve brief mention of conflict or tragedy. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

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10-second decision

Is this likely to fit your family?

Age guidanceAges 8+
Strongest cautionsDeath of a character 2/5 · Frightening scenes 2/5 · Violence 2/5
Strongest positivesEducational value 5/5 · Courage & resilience 3/5
Recommendation3.5/5

Educational value; strongest caution: death of a character.

This is the quick scan. Open the evidence and methodology below for the basis behind each rating.

Quick context

What parents should know

The series is tailored for middle-grade readers (ages 8-12). Content is educational, objective, and presented in a straightforward, age-appropriate manner, though some historical topics may involve brief mention of conflict or tragedy. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ. Educational value; strongest caution: death of a character.

Readiness snapshotAge guidance: 8+Main watch-out: Death of a character 2/5
Recommendation 3.5/5

Editorial rating

How this review was built

Dickens & Rumi editorial
Source checkedPublication method
12Scored categories
12Evidence notes
0Explicit 0/5 checks
Oct 22, 2026Last updated

Dickens & Rumi describes what is present; families decide what matters to them. Community reactions are kept separate from official content ratings.

How ratings workReport a rating or series issue
Review depth12 scored categories12 evidence notes
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At a glance

Recommended age8+

Strongest cautions

  • Death of a character2/5
  • Frightening scenes2/5
  • Violence2/5

Strongest positives

  • Educational value5/5
  • Courage & resilience3/5
  • Creativity & curiosity3/5

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Lower cautionsTry something gentlerMrs Pepperpot and the TreasureOpen review →Similar fitCompare another titleSCARY STORIESCompare →Keep browsingSearch for another bookUse age, interests, vibe, or content preferences.Search →

Similar, with lighter cautions

Want something gentler?

These reviewed titles have overlapping age guidance and a lower total caution score than WHAT WAS . . . ?. Open each review for the details.

BOOKMrs Pepperpot and the TreasureAlf Prøysen; Hilda Offen · 2013Ages 5+7 points lighter on published cautionsBOOKMoldy Warp the moleAlison Uttley · 1940Ages 5+7 points lighter on published cautionsBOOKThe Extra DayAlgernon Blackwood · 1915Ages 8+5 points lighter on published cautionsTHE CANDYMAKERSWendy MassAges 8+2 points lighter on published cautions

What’s in it?

Products & advertising1/5
Why this rating?

The books are self-contained educational resources without significant product placement.

Death of a character2/5
Why this rating?

Historical deaths and tragedies are mentioned as factual events when relevant to the subject matter.

Religious themes1/5
Why this rating?

Religion may appear briefly as historical context in some topics, but faith or religious practice is not a central theme.

Frightening scenes2/5
Why this rating?

Some historical events may be inherently intense, but they are presented with a focus on education rather than fear.

Violence2/5
Why this rating?

Historical conflicts are described, but with limited graphic detail, appropriate for the target school-age audience.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience3/5
Why this rating?

Courage is a common theme, as many historical figures faced immense challenges and risks.

Creativity & curiosity3/5
Why this rating?

The books encourage curiosity about history and critical thinking about past events.

Diverse representation3/5
Why this rating?

The series strives to cover a diverse array of historical figures and events from around the world.

Educational value5/5
Why this rating?

These books are explicitly designed for educational purposes, focusing on historical literacy.

Kindness & empathy2/5
Why this rating?

Some accounts may show cooperation, empathy, or helpful actions, but the collection is not primarily focused on kindness or its rewards.

Positive messages3/5
Why this rating?

The primary message is the value of history, learning, and understanding the significance of past events.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

Historical figures featured often exhibit perseverance, intelligence, and significant contributions to society.

Family discussion

Talk about it

Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What is one new thing you learned or became curious about?
  2. How did the story approach death or loss? What helped the characters cope?
  3. Which choice in WHAT WAS . . . ? would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in WHAT WAS . . . ?, and what caused that change?
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Community perspective — separate from editorial ratings

What families noticed

Community signal

Community ratings and written reactions are a separate layer. They do not automatically change Dickens & Rumi’s official age guidance or content scores.

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Related by age fit, format, and catalogue context.

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SCARY STORIESAlvin SchwartzAges 10+THE ACCIDENTAL APPRENTICEAmanda FoodyAges 9+A Yankee Girl at Fort SumterAlice Turner Curtis · 1920Ages 9+Little Maid of Old MaineAlice Turner Curtis · 2008Ages 8+

These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

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