Bucking the Sarge
Laurel Leaf 2006
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 5.2 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
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Genre
Themes
- ambition
- ethics and morality
- mother–son relationships
- friendship
- resilience
- social justice
- poverty and inequality
- independence
About this book
Luther T. Farrell dreams of leaving Flint, Michigan—and the grip of his tough, resourceful mother, "the Sarge," who runs a shady housing empire. With help from his best friend Sparky and his own sharp wit, Luther aims to win the science fair and chart a path to college and a life as a philosopher. Along the way he wrestles with big questions about right and wrong, loyalty, and the cost of standing up for yourself. Readers will enjoy the humor, fast-paced dialogue, and heartfelt look at ambition and independence.
Setting: Flint, Michigan, early 2000s
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bucking the Sarge right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Bucking the Sarge. The reading level is AR 5.2, 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 ambition, ethics and morality, mother–son relationships.
How long does it take to read Bucking the Sarge?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Bucking the Sarge takes around 7.9h to finish. The book has 78,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Bucking the Sarge have an AR quiz?
Yes — Bucking the Sarge has an AR quiz available, worth 10 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 Bucking the Sarge?
Bucking the Sarge has an AR reading level of 5.2, 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.