Escape from slavery
HarperCollins 1991
Great fit for 6th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- freedom
- courage
- resilience
- injustice
- resistance
- hope
- perseverance
- human rights
About this book
This nonfiction collection shares five true accounts of enslaved people who bravely escaped to freedom. With clear, compelling storytelling and historical context, Doreen Rappaport highlights the courage, ingenuity, and hope that fueled each journey. It’s an accessible read for middle-grade students studying American history or the Underground Railroad. Kids are drawn to the fast-paced, real-life adventures and the inspiring resilience of the people at the heart of each story.
Setting: United States, antebellum South to North via the Underground Railroad, 1800s
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Escape from slavery right for my child?
Yes — Escape from slavery is a great fit for 6th grade. The reading level is AR 6.4, 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 freedom, courage, resilience.
How long does it take to read Escape from slavery?
At a typical 6th grade reading pace, Escape from slavery takes around 2.0h to finish. The book has 21,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Escape from slavery have an AR quiz?
Yes — Escape from slavery has an AR quiz available, worth 2 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 Escape from slavery?
Escape from slavery has an AR reading level of 6.4, 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.