Dear Mr. Rosenwald
Scholastic Press 2006
Challenging read for K–3rd grade
Reading level 4.6 (4th grade) is above the ages 5–9 interest range
Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Retailer links may be affiliate links.
Genre
Themes
- community
- education
- perseverance
- racial justice
- hope
- philanthropy
- family
- history and heritage
About this book
Told in poems from a young girl's point of view, this historical picture book follows a Black community in the segregated South as they raise money to build a new school with help from philanthropist Julius Rosenwald. Readers see neighbors come together, work hard, and dream bigger for their children’s education. Rich, expressive art and lyrical text introduce an important chapter of American history in a way that’s accessible to elementary readers. Kids enjoy the hopeful, community-centered story and the inspiring message that their efforts can make a difference.
Setting: rural American South, 1920s (segregated Jim Crow era)
Readers also enjoyed
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dear Mr. Rosenwald right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Dear Mr. Rosenwald. The reading level is AR 4.6, which is typical for 4th grade. The interest level is rated Lower Grades (K–3), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 5–9 (K–3rd grade). Themes include community, education, perseverance.
How long does it take to read Dear Mr. Rosenwald?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Dear Mr. Rosenwald takes around 8m to finish. The book has 1,200 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Dear Mr. Rosenwald have an AR quiz?
Yes — Dear Mr. Rosenwald has an AR quiz available, worth 0.5 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 Dear Mr. Rosenwald?
Dear Mr. Rosenwald has an AR reading level of 4.6, which places it at a 4th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Lower Grades (K–3) — 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.