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Cover of Who Was...? (series)

Age rating and parents' guide:Who Was...? (series)

by Who HQ (various authors)

Ages 9–14

Who Was...? (series) by Who HQ (various authors) is best for children aged 9–14. It has no violence, nothing scary, no romance and no bad language.

This popular biography series introduces young readers to notable figures from history, science, the arts, and popular culture. Each book traces a subject's life from childhood through their major achievements and the challenges they faced along the way. Filled with black-and-white illustrations, timelines, and accessible historical context, these books make history approachable and engaging, allowing children to explore real-world inspirations through fast-paced, narrative non-fiction.

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Content ratings

How much of each a parent can expect, from none to strong.

Violence
None
Scary moments
None
Romance
None
Bad language
None
Dhiraj Bodade

Content checked by Dhiraj Bodade, co-founder of Bookstaken, on 21 September 2026.

At a glance

  • ★Non-fiction
  • ★Part of the Who Was? series
  • ★Easy to get into from the first page
  • ★Some illustrations
  • ★Emotionally light
  • ★A good pick for reluctant readers

Great for kids who like

  • Non-Fiction
  • History & biography

Reading mood

  • Informative
  • Inspiring

Good to talk about

  • History & biography
  • Non-Fiction

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Questions parents ask

Q: What age is Who Was...? (series) for?
Who Was...? (series) suits children aged 9–14. It is a non-fiction: easy to get into from the first page, some illustrations.
Q: Is Who Was...? (series) appropriate for a 9 year old?
Yes. Bookstaken rates it for ages 9–14. It has no violence, nothing scary, no romance and no bad language.
Q: Is Who Was...? (series) part of a series?
Yes, it belongs to the Who Was? series. If your child enjoys it, the other Who Was? books are the easiest next step.
Q: What should my child read after Who Was...? (series)?
Try Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls, A Children's History of India in 100 Objects and A Children's History of India. They share the same kind of story and suit the same ages.
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