Brothers of the heart
by Joan W. Blos
Maxwell Macmillan International 1985
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- friendship
- survival
- identity and belonging
- cross-cultural understanding
- found family
- resilience
- coming of age
About this book
Set in the Old Northwest of 1837–1838, this historical novel follows a young teen learning to survive on the frontier. Separated from his former life, he finds unexpected family among trappers and a Native community, discovering strength, skill, and compassion along the way. The story blends adventure with quiet, character-driven moments and rich period detail. It’s a strong pick for readers who enjoy frontier survival, cross‑cultural friendship, and growing‑up stories.
Setting: Old Northwest (Great Lakes/Michigan Territory), 1837–1838
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Brothers of the heart right for my child?
Yes — Brothers of the heart is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.7, 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 friendship, survival, identity and belonging.
How long does it take to read Brothers of the heart?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Brothers of the heart takes around 4.1h to finish. The book has 41,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Brothers of the heart have an AR quiz?
Yes — Brothers of the heart has an AR quiz available, worth 6 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 Brothers of the heart?
Brothers of the heart has an AR reading level of 5.7, 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.