Bread and roses, too
HarperCollins Publishers 2008
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Retailer links may be affiliate links.
Genre
Themes
- labor rights
- social justice
- immigration
- family
- friendship
- courage
- resilience
- community
About this book
Set during the 1912 Lawrence, Massachusetts textile strike, this historical novel follows Rosa, the daughter of Italian immigrants, and Jake, a mill boy with a secret, as their lives collide amid a city in turmoil. When children are sent away for safety, the pair journey to Vermont and discover unexpected kindness, community, and courage. Katherine Paterson brings the labor movement to life through relatable characters and vivid detail. Perfect for middle-grade readers who enjoy history, social justice, and stories of resilience.
Setting: Lawrence, Massachusetts and rural Vermont, 1912 (Bread and Roses textile strike)
Readers also enjoyed
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bread and roses, too right for my child?
Yes — Bread and roses, too 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 labor rights, social justice, immigration.
How long does it take to read Bread and roses, too?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Bread and roses, too takes around 7.8h to finish. The book has 70,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Bread and roses, too have an AR quiz?
Yes — Bread and roses, too 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 Bread and roses, too?
Bread and roses, too 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.