Children of the frontier
by Sylvia Whitman
Carolrhoda Books 1998
Great fit for 6th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
Themes include westward expansion
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Genre
Themes
- frontier life
- westward expansion
- family and community
- perseverance
- resourcefulness
- survival
- childhood experiences
- adaptation
About this book
This photo-rich nonfiction book explores what life was like for pioneer children on the American frontier. Readers learn about daily chores, school in one-room classrooms, playtime with homemade toys, and the challenges families faced while traveling west and building new homes. Clear text, period images, and quotes bring history to life for elementary and middle-grade readers. It’s a great pick for units on westward expansion and for kids who enjoy true stories about everyday life in the past.
Setting: the American frontier in the 19th century (prairie homesteads, wagon trains, and one-room schools)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Children of the frontier right for my child?
Yes — Children of the frontier is a great fit for 6th grade. The reading level is AR 6.2, which is typical for 6th 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 frontier life, westward expansion, family and community.
How long does it take to read Children of the frontier?
At a typical 6th grade reading pace, Children of the frontier takes around 35m to finish. The book has 6,200 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Children of the frontier have an AR quiz?
Yes — Children of the frontier has an AR quiz available, worth 1 point. 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 Children of the frontier?
Children of the frontier has an AR reading level of 6.2, which places it at a 6th 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.