Children of the Great Depression
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt 2005
Great fit for 7th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- resilience
- family
- poverty
- community
- hope
- resourcefulness
- migration
- social history
About this book
This photo-rich nonfiction book shows what everyday life was like for kids and their families during the Great Depression, from crowded city breadlines to Dust Bowl farms and migrant camps. Russell Freedman weaves archival photographs, firsthand accounts, and clear explanations to make a complex era understandable. It’s a compelling, accessible look at resilience and resourcefulness that’s ideal for upper elementary and middle school readers. History-minded kids and browsers alike are drawn in by the powerful images and real voices of the time.
Setting: United States during the Great Depression, 1929–early 1940s
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Children of the Great Depression right for my child?
Yes — Children of the Great Depression is a great fit for 7th grade. The reading level is AR 7.7, which is typical for 7th 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 resilience, family, poverty.
How long does it take to read Children of the Great Depression?
At a typical 7th grade reading pace, Children of the Great Depression takes around 1.9h to finish. The book has 20,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Children of the Great Depression have an AR quiz?
Yes — Children of the Great Depression has an AR quiz available, worth 3 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 Children of the Great Depression?
Children of the Great Depression has an AR reading level of 7.7, which places it at a 7th 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.