Being Clem
Holiday House 2021
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
Themes include racism and prejudice
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Genre
Themes
- grief
- family
- identity
- resilience
- racism and prejudice
- friendship
- legacy
- hope
About this book
After his father is killed in the Port Chicago disaster, cheerful, joke-loving Clem must navigate a changed home life in 1940s Chicago. With his mother working long hours for a wealthy white family, Clem grapples with grief, questions of identity, and what it means to honor his father’s legacy. This historical novel offers an accessible window into the World War II home front and the Black experience in midcentury America. Perfect for middle-grade readers who enjoy heartfelt, character-driven stories with humor, history, and hope.
Setting: Chicago, mid-1940s (World War II home front); connections to the Port Chicago disaster in California
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Being Clem right for my child?
Yes — Being Clem is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.8, 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 grief, family, identity.
How long does it take to read Being Clem?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Being Clem takes around 6.2h to finish. The book has 56,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Being Clem have an AR quiz?
Yes — Being Clem has an AR quiz available, worth 8 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 Being Clem?
Being Clem has an AR reading level of 4.8, 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.