Bootleg
Murder, Moonshine, and the Lawless Years of Prohibition
Flash Point 2011
Great fit for 7th grade
Reading level and content both target 6th grade and up · ages 11+
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Genre
Themes
- activism and reform
- law and justice
- crime and corruption
- unintended consequences
- civic engagement
- ethics and morality
- government and policy
- media and public opinion
About this book
This engaging nonfiction history traces how the push to ban alcohol led to the wild, complicated years of Prohibition—and how ordinary people, kids included, got pulled into a world of speakeasies, smuggling, and crime. Karen Blumenthal blends fast-paced storytelling with photos and primary sources to show the people, politics, and unintended consequences behind the 18th Amendment. It’s a great fit for middle school and young teen readers who like true crime, U.S. history, and cause-and-effect stories about laws and society. Readers enjoy how clearly the book explains big ideas while keeping the drama and colorful characters front and center.
Setting: United States during Prohibition (1920–1933), including urban centers like Chicago and New York
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bootleg right for my child?
Yes — Bootleg is a great fit for 7th grade. The reading level is AR 7.9, which is typical for 7th 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 activism and reform, law and justice, crime and corruption.
How long does it take to read Bootleg?
At a typical 7th grade reading pace, Bootleg takes around 5.9h to finish. The book has 62,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Bootleg have an AR quiz?
Yes — Bootleg has an AR quiz available, worth 9 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 Bootleg?
Bootleg has an AR reading level of 7.9, which places it at a 7th 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.