At the sign of the star
by Katherine Sturtevant
Farrar, Straus & Giroux 2002
Great fit for 6th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- independence
- gender roles
- family expectations
- ambition
- intellectual curiosity
- coming of age
- books and printing
- resilience
About this book
Meg Moore, the daughter of a London bookseller, longs to work with books in her father’s shop, At the Sign of the Star. But in 17th‑century London, girls are expected to marry, not set type or sell volumes to scholars. When family changes threaten her place in the shop, Meg must decide how boldly she’ll pursue her own path. Readers who love history, strong heroines, and the world of books will be drawn to Meg’s determination and the rich London setting.
Setting: Restoration-era London, 17th century, in and around a bookseller’s shop near St. Paul’s
Frequently Asked Questions
Is At the sign of the star right for my child?
Yes — At the sign of the star is a great fit for 6th grade. The reading level is AR 6.1, 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 independence, gender roles, family expectations.
How long does it take to read At the sign of the star?
At a typical 6th grade reading pace, At the sign of the star takes around 3.7h to finish. The book has 39,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does At the sign of the star have an AR quiz?
Yes — At the sign of the star has an AR quiz available, worth 6 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 At the sign of the star?
At the sign of the star has an AR reading level of 6.1, 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.