Born Free
by Joy Adamson
Collins & Harvill Press 1960
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 7.7 (7th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
Themes include responsibility and stewardship
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Genre
Themes
- wildlife conservation
- human–animal bond
- freedom vs. captivity
- responsibility and stewardship
- courage and perseverance
- respect for nature
- ethics of animal care
About this book
Born Free is Joy Adamson’s true account of raising an orphaned lion cub, Elsa, and preparing her for life back in the wild. Set in the Kenyan bush, the story blends adventure, animal behavior, and conservation with intimate moments between keeper and cub. Readers see the challenges and rewards of returning a wild animal to its natural home. It’s a compelling read for animal lovers and nature enthusiasts who enjoy real-life stories.
Setting: Kenyan wilderness, 1950s
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Born Free right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Born Free. The reading level is AR 7.7, which is typical for 7th grade. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 14+ (9th–12th grade). Themes include wildlife conservation, human–animal bond, freedom vs. captivity.
How long does it take to read Born Free?
At a typical 7th grade reading pace, Born Free takes around 8.3h to finish. The book has 87,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Born Free have an AR quiz?
Yes — Born Free has an AR quiz available, worth 13 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 Born Free?
Born Free has an AR reading level of 7.7, which places it at a 7th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12) — 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.