First boy
Henry Holt 2005
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- identity
- perseverance
- found family
- civic engagement
- grief and healing
- responsibility
- courage
- rural life
About this book
Fourteen-year-old Cooper Jewett is determined to keep his New Hampshire dairy farm running after his grandfather dies, even as the state’s first-in-the-nation primary brings politics to his doorstep. Mysterious visitors and unanswered questions about Cooper’s past force him to dig for the truth about who he is. Readers who enjoy realistic stories with heart, farm life details, and a dash of political intrigue will be drawn in. It’s a strong choice for middle-grade readers who like resilient heroes and fast-moving, high-stakes plots without heavy content.
Setting: rural New Hampshire dairy farm during modern-day primary season
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is First boy right for my child?
Yes — First boy is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.2, which is typical for 5th 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 identity, perseverance, found family.
How long does it take to read First boy?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, First boy takes around 5.9h to finish. The book has 58,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does First boy have an AR quiz?
Yes — First boy 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 First boy?
First boy has an AR reading level of 5.2, which places it at a 5th 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.