Chain of fire
Lippincott 1989
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- resistance to injustice
- family and community
- courage
- activism
- identity and belonging
- hope and resilience
- human rights
- coming of age
About this book
In apartheid-era South Africa, a tight-knit village is threatened with forced removal to a bleak "homeland." A courageous group of schoolchildren and their families must decide how to stand together, speak out, and protect their community. With clear, compassionate writing, the story shows how ordinary kids can show extraordinary bravery. Ideal for middle-grade readers ready to explore social justice and the power of collective action.
Setting: rural South Africa under apartheid, 1980s
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chain of fire right for my child?
Yes — Chain of fire is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.8, 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 resistance to injustice, family and community, courage.
How long does it take to read Chain of fire?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Chain of fire takes around 5.7h to finish. The book has 56,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Chain of fire have an AR quiz?
Yes — Chain of fire 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 Chain of fire?
Chain of fire has an AR reading level of 5.8, 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.