A Day in the Life of a Colonial Silversmith
by Kathy Wilmore
Powerkids Press 2000
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- colonial America
- craftsmanship
- apprenticeship and mentoring
- community and trade
- problem-solving
- work ethic
- history of technology
About this book
This short, photo-supported history book follows a colonial silversmith through a typical workday, showing how silver objects were designed, hammered, and polished by hand. Readers see how apprentices learned the trade, how customers placed orders, and how a workshop kept business running in a busy colonial town. Clear text and labeled images make complex tools and techniques easy to understand for elementary and middle grade learners. It’s a great pick for kids curious about early American life, craftsmanship, and how everyday objects were made.
Setting: a colonial American town and silversmith’s workshop, 1700s
Frequently Asked Questions
Is A Day in the Life of a Colonial Silversmith right for my child?
Yes — A Day in the Life of a Colonial Silversmith is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.2, which is typical for 5th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 9–14 (4th–8th grade). Themes include colonial America, craftsmanship, apprenticeship and mentoring.
How long does it take to read A Day in the Life of a Colonial Silversmith?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, A Day in the Life of a Colonial Silversmith takes around 7m to finish. The book has 1,200 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does A Day in the Life of a Colonial Silversmith have an AR quiz?
Yes — A Day in the Life of a Colonial Silversmith has an AR quiz available, worth 0.5 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 A Day in the Life of a Colonial Silversmith?
A Day in the Life of a Colonial Silversmith has an AR reading level of 5.2, which places it at a 5th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8) — 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.