Briar Rose
by Jane Yolen
Doherty Associates, LLC, Tom 2016
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 5.6 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
Themes include trauma and healing
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Genre
Themes
- memory
- identity
- the power of stories
- family bonds
- trauma and healing
- truth and justice
- resilience
- love and sacrifice
About this book
Jane Yolen reimagines Sleeping Beauty as a modern quest to uncover a grandmother’s hidden past. After Gemma dies, her granddaughter Becca follows clues from a beloved fairy tale from the U.S. to Poland, where history and legend intertwine. The story becomes a moving mystery about memory, identity, and the legacy of the Holocaust. Best for mature teens, it engages readers with its gripping investigation and powerful emotions.
Setting: contemporary United States and Poland; World War II–era Poland
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Briar Rose right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Briar Rose. The reading level is AR 5.6, which is typical for 5th 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 memory, identity, the power of stories.
How long does it take to read Briar Rose?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Briar Rose takes around 6.6h to finish. The book has 65,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Briar Rose have an AR quiz?
Yes — Briar Rose 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 Briar Rose?
Briar Rose has an AR reading level of 5.6, which places it at a 5th 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.