After Tupac and D Foster
by Jacqueline Woodson, Susan Spain
Penguin USA, Inc. 2008
Easy read — content targets 6th grade and up
Reading level 4.7 (4th grade) but themes aimed at ages 11+
Themes include race and racism
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Genre
Themes
- friendship
- identity
- family
- foster care
- community
- race and racism
- coming of age
- music and culture
About this book
Set in mid-1990s Queens, three girls form a powerful friendship just as Tupac Shakur’s music begins to echo through their lives. When the confident, mysterious D shows up on their block, the narrator and Neeka start to see their world—and themselves—differently. The story explores family, foster care, and finding your voice, all through the lens of music and community. Readers are drawn to the authentic, lyrical writing and the way everyday moments build into a moving coming-of-age journey.
Setting: Queens, New York City, mid-1990s
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is After Tupac and D Foster right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for After Tupac and D Foster. The reading level is AR 4.7, which is typical for 4th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades Plus (6+), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 11+ (6th grade and up). Themes include friendship, identity, family.
How long does it take to read After Tupac and D Foster?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, After Tupac and D Foster takes around 3.3h to finish. The book has 30,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does After Tupac and D Foster have an AR quiz?
Yes — After Tupac and D Foster has an AR quiz available, worth 3 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 After Tupac and D Foster?
After Tupac and D Foster has an AR reading level of 4.7, which places it at a 4th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades Plus (6+) — 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.