Brady
by Jean Fritz
Trumpet Club 1987
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- courage
- moral choice
- slavery and abolition
- loyalty vs. conscience
- justice
- coming of age
- empathy
- family and community
About this book
Set in 1850s Pennsylvania, Brady follows a young boy who is drawn into the moral crossroads of his time as the Underground Railroad moves quietly through his community. Caught between loyalty to people he cares about and what he knows is right, he must choose how to act when lives are at stake. Jean Fritz brings history to life with vivid detail and a strong sense of place. This is a thoughtful, gripping read for middle-grade readers who enjoy historical adventures and stories about courage.
Setting: Pennsylvania along the Mason-Dixon Line, 1850s, during the era of the Underground Railroad
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Brady right for my child?
Yes — Brady is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.8, which is typical for 5th 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 courage, moral choice, slavery and abolition.
How long does it take to read Brady?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Brady takes around 5.7h to finish. The book has 56,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Brady have an AR quiz?
Yes — Brady 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 Brady?
Brady has an AR reading level of 5.8, which places it at a 5th 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.