Glory O'Brien's History of the Future
by A.S. King
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers 2014
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 5.4 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
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Genre
Themes
- grief
- identity
- feminism
- friendship
- free will vs. destiny
- mental health
- empowerment
- coming of age
About this book
Glory is about to graduate with no plan for the future and a past marked by her mother’s death. After a strange night leaves her seeing glimpses of other people’s pasts and futures—including a chilling vision of what might happen to women’s rights—she starts recording what she sees and questioning who she wants to become. A.S. King blends sharp, funny, and heartfelt writing with a touch of the surreal to explore grief, identity, and agency. Ideal for mature teens who like thought‑provoking contemporary stories with a speculative twist.
Setting: contemporary small-town Pennsylvania with visions of a near-future America
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Glory O'Brien's History of the Future right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Glory O'Brien's History of the Future. The reading level is AR 5.4, which is typical for 5th grade. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 14+ (9th–12th grade). Themes include grief, identity, feminism.
How long does it take to read Glory O'Brien's History of the Future?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Glory O'Brien's History of the Future takes around 8.0h to finish. The book has 79,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Glory O'Brien's History of the Future have an AR quiz?
Yes — Glory O'Brien's History of the Future has an AR quiz available, worth 11 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 Glory O'Brien's History of the Future?
Glory O'Brien's History of the Future has an AR reading level of 5.4, which places it at a 5th grade 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.