Review
Story of the World by Susan Wise Bauer tells world history as an engaging, chronological narrative across four volumes, paired with optional activity guides containing maps, projects, and comprehension questions, and works as a standalone spine or alongside any other curriculum.
Curriculum Grade
C+
- Academic Rigor: 3/5
Why this score
Solid chronological coverage of world history in an accessible narrative style, though it's lighter than a source-based classical program like Tapestry of Grace.
- Ease of Use: 4/5
Why this score
Read the chapter, do the optional activity guide — one of the simplest, lowest-planning history resources on this list.
- Parent Time Required: 3/5
Why this score
Read-aloud-based, so it needs a present parent, though the activity guide gives independent follow-up work.
- Cost Value: 4/5
Why this score
$15-40 per volume covering a full year of world history is a strong price for the content and reuse value.
- Engagement: 4/5
Why this score
The narrative, story-first style is specifically written to be genuinely engaging rather than dry textbook prose.
- Flexibility: 3/5
Why this score
Works as a flexible add-on to nearly any other curriculum, though the four volumes are chronologically sequential.
- Independent Learning: 2/5
Why this score
Core content is read-aloud by design, with only the optional activity guide offering independent work.
- Support & Community: 3/5
Why this score
A large, well-established fan base surrounds the series, with extensive third-party supplemental resources available.
- Special Needs Support: 3/5
Why this score
The narrative, story-driven format is often easier for reluctant readers to stay engaged with than a textbook, though it's read-aloud dependent.
Pros
- Genuinely engaging narrative style makes history read like a story rather than a textbook
- Works as a flexible standalone spine that layers easily onto any other curriculum
- Optional activity guides add real depth without being required
Cons
- Covers history only, so it needs to be paired with other subjects for a full curriculum
- Best suited to elementary and early middle grades, thinner for high school
- Chronological narrative approach means less room to jump to a specific era of interest
Best for
Any family, regardless of main curriculum, who wants an engaging read-aloud history spine for elementary-age kids.
Editorial evidence
Last editorial review: July 20, 2026.
Our grades are editorial judgments, not objective facts. If a claim is factually outdated, tell us so we can recheck it.