A Sea of Lemon Trees
The Corrido of Roberto Alvarez
Roaring Brook Press 2025
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- civil rights
- courage
- community activism
- justice vs. discrimination
- identity and belonging
- family
- resilience
- hope
About this book
This novel in verse follows Roberto Alvarez and his community in Lemon Grove, California, as they confront an unjust school segregation plan in the early 1930s. Told with lyrical, accessible poems, it offers a powerful window into Mexican American history and the courage it takes to speak up. Middle grade readers will connect with Roberto’s voice, family ties, and the strength of a neighborhood standing together. Perfect for classroom discussions about civil rights, fairness, and finding your voice.
Setting: Lemon Grove, California, early 1930s (Great Depression)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is A Sea of Lemon Trees right for my child?
Yes — A Sea of Lemon Trees is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.7, which is typical for 4th 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 civil rights, courage, community activism.
How long does it take to read A Sea of Lemon Trees?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, A Sea of Lemon Trees takes around 3.2h to finish. The book has 29,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does A Sea of Lemon Trees have an AR quiz?
Yes — A Sea of Lemon Trees has an AR quiz available, worth 4 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 Sea of Lemon Trees?
A Sea of Lemon Trees has an AR reading level of 4.7, which places it at a 4th 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.