Captive
by Joyce Hansen
Scholastic 1994
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- slavery and freedom
- identity
- resilience
- friendship across cultures
- injustice
- courage
- hope
- survival
About this book
Captive follows a young boy from West Africa who is seized from his home and forced across the Atlantic to colonial America. In a new land and language, he struggles to hold on to his identity and memories while navigating the harsh realities of enslavement. Joyce Hansen’s vivid, compassionate storytelling brings history close to readers, exploring courage, dignity, and the small acts of kindness that can change a life. A powerful choice for middle-grade readers who enjoy historical fiction grounded in real events.
Setting: West Africa and colonial New York, 1700s
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Captive right for my child?
Yes — Captive is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.6, 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 slavery and freedom, identity, resilience.
How long does it take to read Captive?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Captive takes around 5.9h to finish. The book has 58,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Captive have an AR quiz?
Yes — Captive has an AR quiz available, worth 7 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 Captive?
Captive has an AR reading level of 5.6, 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.