Amos Fortune, free man
Dell 1989
Great fit for 6th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- freedom
- perseverance
- faith
- dignity
- resilience
- community
- generosity
- identity
About this book
Based on the true story of an African prince captured and sold into slavery in colonial America, this Newbery-winning biography follows Amos as he holds to his identity, learns a trade, and works toward freedom. Elizabeth Yates’s narrative brings 18th-century New England to life with clear, evocative prose. Ideal for middle-grade readers, it invites thoughtful discussion about justice, perseverance, and faith. Kids who enjoy true stories about overcoming hardship and making a difference will be drawn in.
Setting: West Africa and colonial New England (Massachusetts/New Hampshire), mid-1700s
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Amos Fortune, free man right for my child?
Yes — Amos Fortune, free man is a great fit for 6th grade. The reading level is AR 6.5, which is typical for 6th 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 freedom, perseverance, faith.
How long does it take to read Amos Fortune, free man?
At a typical 6th grade reading pace, Amos Fortune, free man takes around 3.1h to finish. The book has 33,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Amos Fortune, free man have an AR quiz?
Yes — Amos Fortune, free man has an AR quiz available, worth 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 Amos Fortune, free man?
Amos Fortune, free man has an AR reading level of 6.5, which places it at a 6th 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.