Finding Buck McHenry
by Alfred Slote
Tandem Library 1993
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- baseball
- identity and legacy
- mentorship
- perseverance
- truth vs. legend
- friendship
- respect
- race and history
About this book
A baseball-loving boy becomes convinced that his school custodian might be Buck McHenry, a long-lost legend of the Negro Leagues. As he digs for the truth, he discovers the rich history of Black baseball and what it means to respect someone’s past. The story blends mystery with sports, offering plenty of baseball detail and heart. Ideal for middle-grade readers who enjoy sports, history, and mentor-mentee friendships.
Setting: contemporary United States with ties to Negro Leagues history (1930s–1950s)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Finding Buck McHenry right for my child?
Yes — Finding Buck McHenry is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.8, which is typical for 4th 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 baseball, identity and legacy, mentorship.
How long does it take to read Finding Buck McHenry?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Finding Buck McHenry takes around 6.1h to finish. The book has 55,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Finding Buck McHenry have an AR quiz?
Yes — Finding Buck McHenry has an AR quiz available, worth 8 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 Finding Buck McHenry?
Finding Buck McHenry has an AR reading level of 4.8, which places it at a 4th 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.