December Rose
Random House Children's Books 2014
Great fit for 6th grade
Reading level and content both target 6th grade and up · ages 11+
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Genre
Themes
- courage
- justice vs. corruption
- identity and self-reliance
- loyalty and trust
- survival
- class and poverty
- secrets and deception
About this book
Set in Regency-era England, December Rose follows a resourceful young boy who stumbles into a dangerous web of smuggling and high-level corruption. A cryptic message and a chance encounter pull him from the streets into a race through foggy docks, coastal caves, and grand houses where nothing is as it seems. With rich historical detail and taut suspense, the story blends mystery and adventure as the boy must decide whom to trust. Ideal for strong middle-grade readers who enjoy atmospheric, twisty historical tales.
Setting: London docks and the English coast, early 1800s (Regency winter)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is December Rose right for my child?
Yes — December Rose is a great fit for 6th grade. The reading level is AR 6.3, which is typical for 6th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades Plus (6+), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 11+ (6th grade and up). Themes include courage, justice vs. corruption, identity and self-reliance.
How long does it take to read December Rose?
At a typical 6th grade reading pace, December Rose takes around 6.1h to finish. The book has 64,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does December Rose have an AR quiz?
Yes — December Rose has an AR quiz available, worth 9 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 December Rose?
December Rose has an AR reading level of 6.3, which places it at a 6th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades Plus (6+) — 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.